May 4, 2009 7:51 pm US/Eastern
Go! New York Health: Childhood Obesity
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
Up to 33 percent of American children and adolescents are obese and many more are overweight, and recent studies show those numbers are still growing. With such a large portion of the young population affected, stores are responding with new marketing strategies.
A growing number of teens like Gabriela Torrealba feel most comfortable wearing plus-size clothes, which aren't always easy to find. But now, popular teen stores are targeting plus-size fashions toward teens with sizes as high as 30.
"It's like you find this really cute top and it's small, or extra small. Extra, extra, extra small. And you're like, is there something wrong with me?" says Torrealba. "I think it's great that they have cute clothes for people who are not size 2."
But not everyone thinks that sends the right message to teens. The rate of teen obesity has recently tripled and a study shows a child who is obese between the ages of 10 and 13 has an 80 percent chance of becoming an obese adult.
"Image is a big issue for adolescents and to be accepted, and if they think they should put on weight to fit into clothes that are more fashionable it's going to be a huge problem for us," says Dr. Sonia Gidwani of St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital.
The increase in weight problems and obesity have caused doctors to see weight-related illnesses younger than ever before including heart disease, high-blood pressure, diabetes, and joint problems. Some experts say plus-size fashions boost the self-esteem of overweight teens, which could help them control their weight and live more healthfully. Dr. Gidwani feels teens shouldn't be encouraged to be too heavy or too thin, that middle ground is the goal.
"It's so important to have a balanced life, a balanced diet and a balanced way of living," she says.
The best way to tackle childhood and adolescent obesity is by parents setting a good example with their own health habits. If one parent is obese, there is a 50 percent chance the children will also be obese. When both parents are obese, that risk goes up to 80 percent.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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