Child obesity is a serious medical condition affecting children and teenagers. In fact, in America alone, obesity has raised concerns among medical experts and parents as it has grown significantly in the past years, with 1 out of 5 children between the ages of 6 and 17 affected with the said disease. Even though obesity in children can be readily diagnosed, it is in fact, one of the most difficult to treat. Alarmingly, the annual cost of obesity has already reached to a staggering $100 billion, not to mention that it is responsible for over 300,000 deaths per year.

A child or teen gaining a few extra pounds does not exactly mean that he or she is already obese. Generally, a youngster is not suffering from child obesity until he or she exceeds the weight recommended for his or her age and height. This is calculated via the Body Mass Index (BMI). The onset of obesity commonly occurs in childhood between the ages of 5 and 6, and during teenage years. If this condition is not given the right medical attention, the child or teenager has an 80 percent chance of becoming an obese adult.

The causes of child obesity are complex and include genetic, behavioral and cultural factors. Usually, child or teen obesity may develop due to poor eating habits, binging or overeating, lack of exercise, low self esteem, stressful life events, family and peer issues, depression, and family history of obesity, medical illnesses and medications. Unfortunately, the failure of parents to attend to the medical needs of their obese children could lead to grave complications that could negatively affect their children's physical, social and emotional well-being. Physical consequences include the onset of type two diabetes, metabolic syndrome, sleep disorders, high cholesterol and blood pressure, asthma and other respiratory problems as well as early puberty and menstruation. Meanwhile, the social and emotional complications that obese kids are likely to experience include low self esteem, bullying, behavioral and learning issues, and depression.

Due to the many dangers related to child and teenage obesity, it is imperative that parents are proactive in encouraging their kids to lead a healthy lifestyle. Although child and teenage weight loss is a task that is easier said than done, the key to achieve a healthy weight for children is take the issue as a familial challenge. As they say, "practice what you preach" and you will pass this mentality to your children. Hence, as a parent, it is important that you make healthy eating and regular exercising an affair that your family will actively take part in.

There is no universal fast teen diet plan because this greatly depends on the physical condition of your child. However, most medical experts would agree that it is essential that you and your family should invest on a low-carb diet plan so as to limit your kids from consuming too much carbohydrate, which often causes body fat build up. Where possible, get your kids involved by letting them help you to plan and prepare your meal, and take them along with you when you go to the grocery to teach them how to select healthy foods. Equally important is that you encourage your children to participate in physical activities. But, before you actually let your child work out in the gym or in a youth center, you have to consult first with your family physician to know what physical activities your child should engage in. By doing this, you'll be guaranteed that the exercise that your child will be committing himself or herself into is the right one for his age, health and body condition.

Do bear in mind that obesity can turn into a lifelong problem if not attended immediately. For the foregoing reason, as a parent, you have to make sure that your child is engaged in a natural and systematic teenage weight loss program that is supervised by medical professionals to ensure that it will suffice to the needs of your kid. Also, do not forget to raise the self-esteem of your child by emphasizing his or her strengths and positive attributes instead of his or her weight problem. Put in mind that maintaining a desired weight can only occur if your child receives proper support combined with self motivation. By living a healthy lifestyle, you are setting a good example to your family and a healthy environment with which they will be encouraged to follow.