Being overweight and obese is a leading cause of many different health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, and hypertension. These health conditions are not only evident in elderly but are being known to exist in young adults and even children. In America poor diets and lack of physical activity are two of the main reasons for overweight people and obesity.

Among teens inactive lifestyles are a serious problem. Around the rural parts of this state not many healthy options are present. In Pembroke we have more fast food restaurants than we have actual restaurants. This can cause a problem when it comes to choosing healthy food over something that is fast and convenient. Children are being raised on what is convenient and fast for the parent versus them taking out the time to actually prepare a meal or refuse the child’s want for junk food. High sodium and fat diets are consumed by many families. Frying food and consuming great amounts of fatty substances take place in many homes due to old fashioned cooking methods. This is also where high cholesterol, diabetes, and blood pressure come from. Inactive lifestyles are also a major contributor to obesity. A lot of adults are overweight and inactive therefore these lifestyles become habits practiced by the children and their children, and so on.

There are ways to stop the obesity in our youth. The first way to increase healthy habits in not just youth but their parents is to educate them on the dangers of being obese and overweight along with the other many health issues such as diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, and heart disease. Eating a healthier diet is another way of lowering the risk of being overweight. More vegetables and fruits should be added to diets along with decreasing sugars, carbs, and fatty foods. Increasing physical activity can lead to healthier and fit lifestyles which also decrease health problems. Limiting television and computer time encourages adults and children to become physically active. Setting goals can help with creating a more physical lifestyle to decrease health risks and create a healthier you.