A good majority of the people reading this right now have probably seen an obese or overweight person before. Did you know that American teenagers have only gotten fatter over the last 30 years, and that the percentage of those obese is now between 15 -20 percent? According to Overweight Teen and Troubled Teen 101, 1 out of 5 Americans are overweight. It may not be the case at Abraham Lincoln High School, but it certainly is for America.

“The school district has not provided us with enough information on how to stay healthy and they should do more. I know they’re trying to improve the school lunches, but that doesn’t help anyone if teens aren’t being taught what or what not to eat. No one tells them why some foods aren’t available anymore,” said Ian Enriquez from the Wellness Center. “Physical Education doesn’t provide us with enough different ways to exercise.”

I’m sure at least half of you reading this article have made fun of someone overweight or obese, and I myself regret having done it.

People do not wake up in the morning and say, “I want to be overweight and obese.” They always have to deal with doctors, family members, friends and sometimes even strangers telling them what kind of serious problems/complications will happen if they don’t lose the weight.

A good friend of mine, who is overweight but seemingly healthy, can run faster than me and I am half his weight.

“It’s hard to deal with being overweight because there are people calling me names behind my back and even in front [of me] and they think that I can’t do certain things that they can do.” said sophomore Jerome Seegmiller.

Obesity problems usually start early in life; many times, a large amount of stress, such as your parents divorcing, or you having to switch schools, can be what causes the weight problems.

A huge majority of people tend to ‘eat their emotions’ and binge of piles of unhealthy snacks.

There is an amazing amount of junk food available to us today, and resisting the temptation to try one of everything is very difficult.

Competition within companies make it even harder for those of us with little self-control when it comes to food. New flavors, colors, themes, and free toys are constantly coming out into the market and children are being drawn into the craze everyday. That would explain the increase in more obese generations.

We can all help to prevent the obesiy problem, as well as the name calling that comes along with it, by encouraging those around us to have more physical activity in their daily routines, as well as to go out and do something productive instead of watching television.

Even switching soda to water will positively impact your life.

We usually ignore the little things and let things be until a doctor says that someone is “obese” not just “overweight.” By that time, it is impossibly hard for them to lose the weight, and their self-esteem is down the drain by then. They are more likely to become depressed and suicidal because they do not want as much social activity.

If you know someone who is obese or at risk of obesity, help them by just listening to them. Once they are comfortable with you and their selves, they may want to get healthy and stay healthy.

It may take some time, but being able to see someone break through the obese-barrier is definately worth it. If you have any questions about this topic, the Wellness Center has plenty of information available.