Dangers of Teen Obesity Similar to Smoking

Posted on February 28, 2009 in Latest News

Most parents warn their teens when it comes to smoking; however, they tend to tolerate obesity. A new study by Sweden’s Karolinska Institute shows that obese teens and teens who smoke heavily have similar health risks. Teens who smoke heavily or teens who are obese have double the risk of death when compared non-smoking or non-obese teens.

Researchers followed about 45,000 Swedish men from the age of 18 until they were in their mid-50s. These men who were drafted into military, were born between 1949 to 1951. After the research they found out the following:

Men who were obese in their teens had a risk of early death similar to men who smoked heavily in their teens i.e. more than 10 cigarettes a day
Men who are overweight in their teens had a risk of early death similar to men who were light smokers in their teens i.e. less than 10 cigarettes per day
Men who were obese and heavy smokers in their teens were 5 times more likely to die when compared to non-smoking and non-obese teens
Men who were overweight and heavy smokers in their teens were 3 times more likely to die when compared to non-smoking and non-obese teens

The above research proves the dangers of obesity, which similar to the dangers of smoking. Obesity is a health condition which can affect not only the quality of life but also the longevity. Hence, parents should take steps to tackle obesity among their kids, especially teenagers by encouraging physical activity and a healthy diet

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Dangers of Teen Obesity Similar to Smoking

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