Is Your Teen Obese? Cut Out These Foods to Prevent Risk of Stroke Later

"Childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century. The prevalence has increased at an alarming rate. Globally, in 2015 the number of overweight children under the age of five, was estimated to be over 42 million," WHO.

Teenage obesity is also a growing concern, especially among Indian adolescents. Experts suggest lack of exercise to be one of the biggest perpetrators of weight gain in kids and teenagers. Obesity at young age may lead to a host of health issues later in life including risk of developing type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular ailments and even stroke. Experts revealed that people with high spikes in BMI between 8 to 20 years of age were more likely to have high blood pressure as adults. The research was published in online journal of Neurology.

Childhood is an important phase for the development of your young one. During adolescence, it becomes more than imperative to pay close attention to the nutritional requirements of your child and encourage them to eat healthy and exercise regularly. If you're worried about your child's weight gain, make sure you cut down on the following food items to help him/her maintain an ideal weight.

Sugar: Unfortunately, kids end up consuming lots of sugar unknowingly. From packaged fruit juices, jams, jellies to chocolates and even soft drinks. Make sure you limit their intake of such food items. Always read labels to see if there is any hidden sugar that your child might end up consuming.

Tran fat: One of the biggest enemies of human health, regular consumption of trans fat may not only lead to obesity but can also expose your child to a host of ailments.

Processed foods and junk items: This needs no amount of reiterating. Anything packaged and processed is bad for your health. Junk food consumption in kids and teenagers is known to trigger obesity and expose them to a range of lifestyle ailments later in life.