This was the conclusion of research conducted at the University of Bath, UK. While the media leads us to believe that adolescent obesity levels are on the rise due to laziness, a love affair with computer games, and hideous eating habits, it seems the reality is somewhat different. A vast majority of adolescent girls consider improving their health and fitness to be a priority.

So what is stopping them from being in better shape? 49% of girls do not feel comfortable exercising in front of other people, especially boys. In addition to this, the teens I have talked to do not enjoy traditional physical education activities such as soccer, hockey, and basketball. In fact, many teenagers simply do not enjoy exercise with a competitive element, preferring more elegant exercises like yoga or dance.

The study, conducted by Nestlé’s Social Research Program, also found that only 45% of teens eat the recommended amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables every day and only 56% check their food for sugar and fat levels. that they ingest. He concluded that “young people have a very uneven understanding of how to control their eating.”

The reality is that an overweight teenager is likely to become an obese adult who is at risk for obesity-related conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. An adolescent’s level of physical activity has a direct influence on her weight, and most adolescent girls reduce their physical activity rate once they reach adolescence. Good exercise and nutrition are essential for good long-term health.

It seems that instead of criticizing teenage girls for not exercising and making poor food choices, there is great scope for offering activity sessions that they will enjoy and giving them the tools to make healthy eating a reality. It seems unfair to place homework solely on teenagers’ shoulders. Adult intervention is required. We have recently seen the emergence of Zumba fitness classes, cheerleaders, street dance, and boot camp, all of which have great appeal to image-conscious teenage girls.

In my local area, I have worked closely with the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Coordinators and Youth Clubs to deliver boot camp style exercise classes. While many teens initially fear that these may be like their physical education lessons once they have been persuaded and experienced a class firsthand, they realize that this is a great way to exercise. The structure of the class means that they can exercise with their friends in a small, girls-only environment, where everyone can work at their own level without fear of competition.

A great way to boost self-esteem and actively work toward the fittest, healthiest body you aspire to.