The Most Important Factor in Teen Obesity

Posted by Neill Abayon

One crucial reason teenagers eat more burgers and fries than fruits and vegetables may be their parents.

Researchers have found that adolescents are more likely to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day if their parents do. Teens whose parents eat fast food or drink soda are in turn more likely to do the same.

Here are some findings from a recent study:

• Teens whose parents drink soda every day are nearly 40 percent more likely to drink soda every day themselves
• Teens whose parents eat five servings of fruits and vegetables daily are 16 percent more likely to do the same
• 48 percent of teens whose parents drink soda every day eat fast food at least once a day
• 45 percent of teens whose parents do not eat five servings of fruits and vegetables daily eat fast food at least once a day

Educating parents about unhealthy food choices, as well as how to plan and prepare healthier fare, could help in reducing teen obesity.