Pick up any celebrity magazine, and you’ll probably read about the latest starlet who is excruciatingly thin. This frightening trend has become embodied by teens across America in recent years. Ironically, as the number of teens confronting anorexia and bulimia continues to rise, a significant portion of teens are also confronting obesity.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, the number of overweight teens has tripled in the last twenty years. Now, about 15% of teens are overweight, and the Glenbrook South student population is no exception.

“It’s really obvious that there are definitely more overweight kids at GBS now than in the past,” said health teacher Michelle Scheinkopf.
According to Scheinkopf, there are several reasons the amount of obese teens is rising. Many teenagers are so busy that they only have time to eat unhealthy meals, like fast food.

Scheinkopf also believes people use food for reasons other than nourishment. The stressful lives of teenagers may cause some to use food to calm, numb, or comfort themselves.

“My hope is that people can develop a healthy relationship with food,” said Scheinkopf.

Although everyone is required to take a health class, which helps students learn how to eat healthy, the school lunch line is still full of students stocking up on junk food and soda.

“Teen obesity rates are rising because junk food just tastes better, and it’s everywhere. And now people don’t really walk anywhere. It’s a cycle that keeps building up,” said junior Ari Wulfshon.
In addition to eating mostly sweets and fast foods, many teens don’t make time to exercise. According to a health study from the University of Arizona, 68% of teens do not get enough exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

For many, there is a lack of motivation to break a sweat. After all, there are so many ways for teens to be entertained without moving. Sitting in front of a television or computer screen is more convenient and easy than going for a jog around the neighborhood. Teens are content with watching the world instead of participating in it.

“I am disappointed at many of our teen’s lack of motivation to exercise. Given a choice, kids would rather watch TV or engage in activities that involve little or no movement,” said GBS Physical Education teacher Patrica Moulakelis.

As many already know, the health problems obesity causes are daunting. Coronary heart disease, Type II diabetes, and high blood cholesterol are just a few of the numerous health problems related to obesity. These diseases were typically “adult” disorders, but the rates of these disorders in teens are currently increasing at alarming rates.

Not only does being overweight increase the risk of physical health problems, but it also can affect a teenager’s mental and social health. Although scientists are not sure which causes which, many studies have found a clear link between depression and obesity. Overweight teens also suffer from more embarrassment than healthy teens.

Some argue that the growing amount of “curvy” and “healthy” people is a good change. It could signify society being more accepting of different body types. Perhaps it is a good sign that many American teens are rejecting the impossibly thin look of celebrities. But has America’s acceptance of different body types gone too far, where Americans now have an acceptance towards unhealthy behaviors? The line is all too thin.

Jillian Hirsch, assistant features editor