All the fuss about Lifestyle alteration in Teens

When it comes to fitness or losing weight as most people consider it as equivalent to being fit,it is suggested that one must make “lifestyle” changes to achieve their desired level of fitness.

The question arises what exactly does making a lifestyle change mean?

Why lifestyle? Does the way of your life cause your fitness level to go down or is it just your diet?

This article talks about the effect of one’s lifestyle in causing or treating a disorder especially in teenagers.

Over the last few decades we have noticed a huge change in how teenagers live their lives. It is more competitive, hectic and challenging on the mind rather than the body.

Although, this has caused a huge impact on the mind and the body both. Physically, we have seen problems such as obesity, child diabetes, high blood pressure, abuse of substances and mentally it has caused invisible but severe issues such as hypertension, anxiety, depression and poor mental health in general.

“Out of 250 participants, majority (62.0%) were males. Only 4.8% were currently using tobacco while 3.2% respondents admitted having consumed alcohol in last 30 days. Only 28.8% did brisk walking and cycling for at least 30 minutes continuously thrice a week. Nearly 22.4% were involved in moderate intensity sports while 20.4% in vigorous intensity sports. Nearly 5.6% regularly practiced yoga. About 52.4% were non vegetarians. Nearly 70.8% consumed adverse food items such as fried food, cheese, butter, meat, egg, sweetened drinks, pizza, burger, bakery items, pickles and sauces daily. Only 64% consumed fruits while 75.6% consumed vegetables for at least three days in a typical week. Also 24.4% added extra salt to cooked food items. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 12.0%. About 64.4% were underweight, while 7.6% were overweight.”

These were the results of a study published in the International journal of community health and medicine. The numbers show how the impact of immobile lifestyle habits combined with a poor diet contributed to a poor health over all.

If we break down the results of this study we can clearly see that the following have been the reasons for a poor lifestyle:

• Consumption of tobacco and alcohol.

Smoking tobacco has ill effects like heart diseases, lower metabolism rates, decline in the ability to exercise. Alcohol too, damages the liver and causes various problems in the growing body of a teenager.

• Less Physical Activity

A stagnant lifestyle leads to various problems such as weight gain, underdevelopment of the body, inflexibility and it can also cause cardiovascular diseases, anxiety and other serious concerns.

• High consumption of fatty, junk food and less consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.

   A healthy diet is a major part of a healthy lifestyle. A healthy diet does not necessarily eliminate certain foods but aims at creating a balance of macros and vitamins. Junk food does not provide enough vitamins and minerals essential for a healthy body. They are just empty high calorie food which satisfy the taste buds for a moment and also contain substances which can be addictive in nature.

All these factors have a huge influence on one’s mental health too. Studies have shown higher stress levels in teenagers in the past 5 years than ever before. This day and age is a time of excessive competition and unlimited resources, teenagers are in that phase of their lives where they feel confused and often resort to quick fixes for dealing with their anxiety.

A careful introspection of one’s lifestyle with professional guidance, if needed can solve all these problems.

A simple act of meditation for 5 minutes and practice of mindfulness can go a long way in dealing with lifestyle disorders.

Learning to adapt to healthy habits in teenage is the best skill to be acquired in this phase of life.

It starts with a practice of walking for half an hour more than usual, filling the plate with more greens, taking time out to breathe in fresh air, switching off the internet for 20 mins but goes a long way to attain a healthy life overall.

It is never about fad diets or quick fix medicines but always about adopting small habits in one’s life to make momentous changes in one’s life.

1.What are the best lifestyle changes for teens to improve overall health?

• Adopting balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep are pivotal lifestyle changes for teens. HealthyWithAparna.com offers comprehensive guidance on implementing these habits effectively.

2. Are there effective teen health programs online for weight management?

• Yes, several online programs focus on teen weight management through personalized plans. HealthyWithAparna.com reviews and recommends programs that prioritize safe and healthy approaches.

3.  How can teenagers develop healthy eating habits?

• Incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is essential. HealthyWithAparna.com provides practical tips and meal plans to help teens cultivate nutritious eating habits.CDC

4.   What are some recommended teen fitness programs online?

• Online platforms like Les Mills offer teen-friendly workouts. HealthyWithAparna.com explores these options, helping teens find suitable fitness routines.Les Mills+1Les Mills+1

5.   How can teens manage stress effectively?

• Techniques such as mindfulness, regular exercise, and adequate rest are effective. HealthyWithAparna.com delves into stress management strategies tailored for teenagers.

6.    Are there online resources for teen mental health support?

• Yes, platforms like Teen Line provide confidential support. HealthyWithAparna.com discusses various mental health resources available for teens.Teen Line

7.    What are safe weight loss programs for teenagers?

• Programs emphasizing balanced nutrition and exercise are recommended. HealthyWithAparna.com reviews teen-friendly weight loss programs focusing on health and safety.

8.    How can teens build a balanced exercise routine at home?

• Combining aerobic exercises with strength training is beneficial. HealthyWithAparna.com offers guides on creating effective home workout routines for teens.

9.   What are the benefits of meal delivery services for teen nutrition?

• Meal delivery services provide convenient, portion-controlled, and nutritious options. HealthyWithAparna.com evaluates various services suitable for teenagers.YMCA at Home+2New York Post+2HealthyChildren.org+2

10.    How can parents support their teens in adopting a healthier lifestyle?

• Encouraging open communication, participating in activities together, and setting a positive example are key. HealthyWithAparna.com provides insights on parental support strategies.