Teens are more susceptible to eating disorders than adults due to age, genetic predisposition and relationship troubles as well as peer pressure. It is important as a parent to monitor your teen’s health including their BMI, eating habits and exercise regimes.
What is BMI?
BMI is the body mass index, and is a total of body fat based on the weight and height of an adult person. The BMI of a person will tell you if they are underweight, overweight or an average weight for their height and age. To figure BMI you must multiply the weight in pounds by 703. Divide this answer by the height squared and then multiplied by the inches squared. So if a person weighs 150 pounds and is 5 feet 2 inches tall, their BMI is 27.4. There are many online BMI calculators to make this simple.
The BMI range for severely underweight persons is under 16.5, while underweight is only from 16.5 to 18.5. For normal weight, your numbers will be between 18.5 and 25, while overweight is from 25 to 30. Class 1 obesity is from 30-35, class 2 is from 35 to 40 and class 3 or morbid obesity is over 40.
Keep in mind that each body is built differently and do not base your teen’s weight solely on their BMI. While a BMI of 17 is considered to be underweight, this may be completely normal if your teen is small-boned and naturally thin. The BMI is a guideline rather than a diagnostic tool.
Eating Habits
Teens should refer to the food pyramid in order to take in the correct amount of foods from each group daily. It was once thought that breads should be consumed as much as meats, but meats have been put on the back burner. Proteins are still important, with 2 servings no larger than a closed fist a day to be eaten. Whole wheat breads and grains should be eaten at the rate of 1 cup a day, with vegetables and fruits to be eaten in the amounts of at least 2 cups total daily.
Eating breakfast in the morning helps to awaken the body, with a small snack about 3 hours later. Lunch should be about 3 hours after the snack, with another small snack 3 hours after lunch. Supper should be the last meal of the day, and should take place about 12 hours after waking in the morning and eating breakfast.
Exercise
It is recommended that the average teen be active for at least a half hour daily in order to help growing muscles. Running, walking, weight lifting or other sports are often encouraged if no gym classes are taken at school to help promote healthy living. Running a half mile or walking a mile is considered good cardiovascular exercises for teenagers who are moderately active. For those not active, it should be noted that less exercise will be needed to begin, working up to normal exercise routines
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