High Protein Low
Carb Diet for Teens with Severe Obesity
Carbohydrates, or usually called “carbs” are a
source of fuel and energy used by our bodies to do work. It can be obtained from
grains, fruits and vegetables. Carbs are categorized into two categories, i.e.
simple and complex. Simple carbs are easily digested while complex carbs will
take longer time. Although carbs are important during growing years, excess
carbs taken in will have a negative impact on health and leads to overweight or
obesity problem.
The problem of obesity is serious among American
children who live a sedentary lifestyle which lack of daily physical activities
and exercises. More than 20% of them are classified as overweight or obese. If
this issue is not taken seriously, they are very likely to grow up as obese
adults and will face related morbidity and mortality risks.
Recent study done by researchers from University
of Colorado Denver School of Medicine in year 2010 found out that by following a
high-protein and low-carb diet under a medical supervision, it can help severely
obese teenagers (average 14 yrs-old and at least 175% above ideal weight) to
lose their weight effectively and safely. These patients also continuously kept
their weight loss for as long as nine months after the study, the expected quick
regain of weight doesn’t happen. Therefore, it is believed that these obese
teens might be able to achieve more weight loss if they are giving ongoing
support.
Researchers also found out that this relatively
high in fat diet are safe to be followed as it has no seriously side effects on
for example growth and bone density. It has increased the good HDL cholesterol
levels but reduced the bad LDL cholesterol. With this study, it has provided
another effective treatment option for tackling adolescent obesity problem.
Though a low carb diet is effective in treating
obesity among teens, they should only follow the diet provided it is prescribed
by a medical practitioner or a dietician. Excessive dieting without medical
supervision might be harmful to growing up teens and affecting their normal
growth.
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