|  | Family Health | Teen Health

What Are Some Teen Health Issues?

Being a teenager can be confusing; not only do social dynamics change, but suddenly teens' bodies are unfamiliar, too. As they get older, they have more freedom to make choices about their bodies and health, and these choices sometimes have far-reaching consequences. Educating teens about common health issues, such as depression and drug use, prepares them to make informed and responsible decisions.

  1. Weight Concerns

    • Many teenagers become concerned about their weight or appearance, which may change drastically during puberty, and some suffer from low self-esteem over their body image. For example, girls may feel they should be thinner, while boys commonly think they should have more muscle. Although many young people connect weight to appearance, it's also a medical problem; obesity rates among teens have doubled in the past two decades, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Teens who are overweight or obese are more likely to be overweight or obese as adults.

    Mental and Emotional Health

    • Suicide represents the third leading cause of death for teenagers, according to a 2008 CDC report. Risk factors for suicide include a history of depression, a family history of suicide, drug or alcohol abuse, incarceration or a stressful life event. Other mental and emotional health issues that commonly affect teens include depression, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, bullying and cliques.

    Sexual Behavior

    • Many teenagers experiment with sexual behaviors, which can lead to STDs, including HIV/AIDS, and unplanned pregnancy. In 2009, 46 percent of high schoolers claimed to have had sex, according to the CDC. Teens can get STDs from oral, vaginal or anal intercourse. Abstinence is the only way to completely eliminate the risk of STDs and pregnancy, but effective sexual education programs also teach about contraception.

    Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco

    • In 2009, 24 percent of high schoolers reported they had participated in binge drinking or heavy drinking and 19 percent said they smoked cigarettes, according to the CDC. Drinking alcohol increases the risk of academic problems, accidental injury and unprotected sex; it also contributes to 41 percent of deaths from motor vehicle accidents. Teens who smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products are more likely to develop respiratory problems, lung cancer, heart disease and other ailments. It's also harder for teens to break their nicotine addiction if they start smoking early. Many teens also smoke marijuana or abuse prescription drugs, such as painkillers, stimulants and cold medicine.

    Exercise and Fitness

    • Teens are often less likely to participate in physical activity than children aged 9 to 13; boys are more likely than girls to stay active. However, regular physical activity has many health benefits for teens, such as reducing the risk of obesity and cardiovascular disease, building strong bones, promoting a healthy body image and reducing depression and anxiety.

Teen Health - Related Articles