Teens in the United States are eating more fast food today than they were a decade ago.
The trend is not only having a negative effect on their current health but their future health as well.
This article will go over what caregivers should know about the link betweenfast foodand weight gain in teens.
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How Much Fast Food Do Teens Eat?
Physically, nutrition is a key way to support a teen’s growing body.
However, many teens regularly eat fast foodit may even be a cornerstone of their diet.
For example, excess weight can lead toinsulin resistancea risk factor fortype 2 diabetes.
There are many factors that contribute to weight gain in childhood and adolescence.
A single fast-food meal can contain enough calories to meet a persons caloric requirement for an entire day.
Over time, the extra weight contributes to a teen’s risk for several health conditions.
Mental Health
Many teens experience changes in their body image, which can be negative at times.
Some teens developeating disorders.
Gaining weightbe it from frequently eating fast food or another reasonis sometimes a trigger for these challenges.
Weight stigmacan deeply affect a persons self-image.
For some teens, the pressure leads them to develop disordered eating.
There are safe ways for teens to lose weight if doing so would support their health.
Some teens reach for these comfort foods when theyre struggling with the changes and challenges of adolescence.
You’ll both benefit from learning about nutrition together, which includes talking about the realities of fast food.
That said, it’s not helpful to say that any food is “bad.”
You don’t want to send your teen the message that it’s never OK to have fast food.
That said, many teens eat fast food often.
While it’s true that growing teens may need more calories, they should get them from nutrient-dense foods.
