“High Blood Pressure in Children.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 5 Dec. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure-in-children/symptoms-causes/syc-20373440.

The Mayo Clinic discusses high blood pressure in children and teens and it's correlation with obesity and sedentary lifestyle. Children can have high blood pressure just like adults. The causes could be hereditary, or from some other condition, but obesity is a common cause. Parents that support their child making lifestyle changes, limiting screen time, and adding a daily activity , can reduce the chances of their child becoming an obese adult. 

Owens, Peter. Teens, Health & Obesity. Mason Crest, 2014.

This book examines the causes of obesity in children and teens, and discusses the causes and long-term effects. Teens feel the peer-pressure to be thin but their lifestyle may contribute to obesity. Children and teens that are obese, usually become obese adults unless their habits change. Maybe teens don't realize the health implications of being overweight and how they extend into adulthood. The author is a doctor and has many books on obesity. 

“Environmental Barriers to Activity.” Obesity Prevention Source, 8 Apr. 2016, www.hsph.harvard.edu/obesity-prevention-source/obesity-causes/physical-activity-environment/.

This site is about how the environment around a person determines how much exercise they get and how that impacts obesity rates. Families that are involved in their children's sports, or that go on bike rides and hikes together, are less likely to have obesity issues. Some employers have taken an active roll in creating a workspace that makes being active a priority. On-site gyms, exercise breaks throughout the work day, nutrition and physical activity programs are ways employers create that healthy environment. Many schools offer programs to kids after school so they can be active. Whether it's a sports program or just an outdoor park, offering kids a place to play limits their screen time, and helps with weight control. The type of neighborhood a person lives in also determines whether they have the ability to go for a bike ride or take a walk. Many inner-city areas don't have this option, and have higher obesity rates than suburban areas.  

“Television Watching and ‘Sit Time.’” Obesity Prevention Source, 13 Apr. 2016, www.hsph.harvard.edu/obesity-prevention-source/obesity-causes/television-and-sedentary-behavior-and-obesity/.

Harvard discovered the link between television and obesity over 25 years ago. Their studies show that limiting television time contributes to better weigh control for children and teens. They recommend that television/screen time is limited to two hours a day. Children that have televisions in their room are likely to gain more weight then children that do not. Children are more likely to do an activity if they don't have access to a screen. This directly impacts their weight. Adults that sit and watch television also have a higher obesity percentage than those that limit their screen time. Food marketing on television is also linked to obesity. 

“Childhood Obesity Causes & Consequences.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 11 June 2020, www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/causes.html.

The CDC define childhood obesity as when children have a BMI of higher than 95% of their peers of the same age and sex. They list behavior and genetics as contributing causes to childhood obesity. Eating high-calorie food, lack of sleep, and too much screen time are contributing factors, as well. Eating healthier foods and getting in some daily activity can prevent excess weight gain and can help prevent diseases like diabetes and heart disease when they are older. The CDC offers Dietary and Physical Guidelines as resources for parents and children. Childhood obesity can lead to anxiety, bullying, low self esteem, high blood pressure, and even asthma. 

“Bariatric Surgery Procedures: ASMBS.” American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, asmbs.org/patients/bariatric-surgery-procedures.

The ASMBS is focused on improving health by lessening obesity and obesity-related disease around the world. They offer educational and support services to people looking to have weight loss surgery. Their mission includes: 

• Improving the care and treatment of people suffering from obesity.
• Advancing the science and understanding of metabolic and bariatric surgery.
• Fostering communication between health professionals on obesity and related conditions.
• Being the recognized authority and resource on metabolic and bariatric surgery.
• Advocating for the health care policy that ensures patient access to high quality prevention and treatment of obesity.
• Serving the educational and professional needs of our diverse membership.

The President of the society is the Assistant Professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School and Surgeon at Massachusetts General Hospital. All of the board members are doctors; most of them are board vertified surgeons. 

“Smartphone, Tablet Use Linked with Obesity in Teens.” News, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 22 June 2018, www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/smartphone-tablet-use-linked-with-obesity-in-teens/.

This Harvard study looks at 25,000 teens between 2013 and 2015 and discovered most of them spend about 5 hours on their phones or tablets. The teens were more likely to drink soda and sleep less than teens who spent less time on their devices. Television is included in the devices. More physical activity and less screen time would benefit teens.