150 minutes of exercise per week: Tips to protect teenagers from obesity
In light of the rapid transformations taking place in the digital world, Professor Abdulmu'in Eid Al-Agha, Professor and Consultant of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah, emphasized that modern technology has become a double-edged sword threatening the health of younger generations. He explained that the dominance of smart screens in the daily lives of children and adolescents has led to a radical change in their behavior, with inactivity replacing physical activity, which poses serious health risks.
Radical lifestyle changes
These warnings come in a global context marked by an unprecedented rise in obesity rates among teenagers, historically attributed to the shift from an era of outdoor physical activity to one of indoor digital entertainment. This transformation has not only impacted physical fitness but has also created a fertile ground for the emergence of diseases once confined to older adults, such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, which are now looming over adolescents.
Dr. Al-Agha pointed out that a lack of physical activity has created a clear imbalance in the body's energy levels, with calories consumed exceeding calories burned, thus turning children's bodies into fat stores. The consequences are not limited to the physical aspect alone, but extend to the psychological, as prolonged sitting is linked to increased stress, sleep disturbances, and a decline in academic performance.
150 minutes make the difference
Professor Al-Agha offered a precise preventative prescription, emphasizing the necessity of engaging in physical activity for at least 150 minutes per week, or an average of 30 minutes per day. He affirmed that this duration, despite its simplicity, is sufficient to bring about a significant improvement in the health of adolescents. This can be achieved through activities accessible to everyone, such as brisk walking, swimming, cycling, or team sports, where the true benefit lies in consistency and regularity, not in the intensity of the exercise.
The benefits of adhering to this exercise regimen extend far beyond weight control; exercise plays a pivotal role in promoting heart and lung health, increasing bone density, and boosting the immune system. On a psychological level, exercise is an effective way to release negative energy and build self-confidence, which positively impacts the mental health of adolescents.
Risks of unhealthy nutrition
In a related context, the consultant warned against the "dangerous duo" of fast food and soft drinks. Fast food, saturated with fats and salts, lacks nutritional value and accelerates the onset of chronic diseases. As for soft drinks, they inject enormous amounts of liquid sugars into the body without producing satiety, leading to excessive calorie consumption. Furthermore, they contribute to tooth enamel erosion and hinder calcium absorption, which is essential for bone growth at this critical age.
Tips for a healthier generation
Dr. Al-Agha concluded his remarks by offering a set of invaluable tips for families and adolescents, including limiting screen time, ensuring a balanced diet rich in fiber, drinking sufficient water, and regulating sleep patterns. He urged parents to set a good example for their children, emphasizing that investing in the health of young people today is the true guarantee of a vibrant and productive society in the future, thus reducing long-term economic and health burdens.
