To think after lockdown teenagers need to lose weight?

[Alisonshaw]

I know during lockdown alot of us have relaxed and probably snacked alot more than we should have and I know that his has unfortunately extended to my teenage DS too. He is 17 and has piled on the weight over lockdown. I wouldn't say obese but certainly something to keep an eye on. Do we need to make more of an effort nationally to help us all lose some weight, but particularly children before it is too late?
Maybe schools need to introduce more PE (although with stretched timetables this would be very challenging) or maybe a national measurement program of older teens. Maybe just a bit of time to get over the stress of the last year we and our DC have been through?

My ds has had terrible stomach problems due to stress and is verging on underweight.

I think a lot of people will have naturally put on weight in lockdown, not just teenagers, a lot of people just aren’t doing as much as we’re used to, that’s not something that’s specific to teenagers

My 3 teenagers haven't gained any weight. I have though.

We've needed to do something for a decade about overeating, but people are at liberty to eat and do what they want. You can't force people to exercise and eat healthily.

What needs to happen is a much much bigger provision for eating issues and obesity on the mental health side. Counselling, dieticians, awareness of reasons why people over eat (both genetic and psychological).

But that won't happen, the NHS barely offers help to people dying of anorexia and bulimia let alone obesity and binge eating disorder.

In terms of your son, I guess helping him to try out clubs of physical activity that he is interested in (rock climbing, martial arts, football, trampolining whatever).

And change your whole families diets to be healthier. Do you limit his snacks etc?

My 16 year olds gone the opposite way and lost a stone and a half. I cant say I have noticed any of her friends, boyfriend or my niece/nephews having gained weight either from what I have seen of them on social media or when out walks, dropping off xmas/bday presents and chatting at doors.

A national measurement scheme would be explosively based. Obesity is not the only lethal eating issue - imagine an anorexic or bulimic teen being forced to be measured? Let alone bodily autonomy being thrown out of the window.

At 17 I'd never even had a detention but I'd have kicked and scratched my way out of that kind of scenario like a rabid dog.

Bad* not based.

My dd is one of an epidemic of teens who have become anorexic during lockdown, she has been hospitalised several times. I really don’t think fat shaming a section of the population who are social beings and have had aspect of their life restricted is the way to go. They just need to be left to get on with life.

I think schools have enough to do. Teaching every lifeskill that might possibly be needed is not the responsibility of schools.

Mine haven’t gained any weight but I was like that as a teen could eat a mountain, move like a sloth and still be skinny. Sadly not anymore (thanks peri menopause)

I don’t think we need a national programme parents will need to step up and provide a healthy diet and opportunities for exercise

What, all of them?

Only the person who needs to lose weight can do that and they don’t have to wait until after lockdown to do it either. I don’t think it’s up to schools to help either, lots of people are in the same boat but ultimately people need to take responsibility for themselves

It is your responsibility to look after your child’s health, not ‘the nation’

Perhaps a national measurement program is a step too far and I understand that there are far too many negative consequences and eating disorders of all kind should not be worsened or created by such a program but I do think that as a society we need to be careful to not let obesity become the norm and that we do need to take a look in the mirror at the deep realities.

Why is it for schools to sort out?

Yes, 'look in the mirror'. You can sort this one yourself without the state having to intervene.

It's already the norm Op - 67% of U.K. adults are overweight or obese.

You need to teach your son how to have healthy foods and take exercise. Luckily, it sounds like he's just gained weight because of the sedentary nature of lockdown. Hopefully when everything re-opens the weight will drop off him naturally.

@Bobcatbob

My teenagers haven’t gained weight. Yabu to expect schools and national programs to take responsibility for your sons snacking!

This!!!

Neither of my teens have gained weight during lockdown.
They eat well and snack sensibly.

but I do think that as a society we need to be careful to not let obesity become the norm and that we do need to take a look in the mirror at the deep realities.
Bash on. There's no reason for you and your DS to wait until after lockdown to address and deal with his weight issue.

My teenagers are skinny. They don't need to do more forced exercise because other people's teens have gained weight

One of my teens was always skinny, now looks quite bad (too skinny) despite eating a good amount.
My middle one has stayed the same.
My youngest has put loads of weight, i would estimate their weight at about 12 or 13 stone at 15 years old and 5 foot 11. He weighs a lot more than the other two.

I don't think it is necessarily for schools to sort out but it is fact that more and more children are becoming overweight and obese. And because it's so normal more and more people are failing to recognise a problem. Our children have been told to stay inside for almost a year and that is bound to have consequences on activity levels.

This is a personal responsibility issue. I have to say your reaction isn't great. Young people have been through a huge amount in the last year and it's understandable that eating habits one way or another have been affected. The last thing that will help is a jolly hockey sticks campaign to get all their chubbiness off (because that is exactly how the time of your post comes across) to make them feel worse (and seriously when does anyone ever remember school PE sessions being a legitimate way to lose weight?).

If you have an issue with it change your own household. Schools will need to support with catching up on education not focusing on something families can support with.