Building Teens' Self Esteem

Turning the Tide on Teenage Obesity and Depression

by Karen Jashinsky

Exercise has long since been synonymous with robust physical health. But, it also positively affects self-esteem and alleviates depression.

Giving up Friday night parties with her friends is laudable in itself but Patti swears she's sweating it out in a 90-minute yoga class for a really good reason. The San Fernando Valley high school junior proudly asserts, "I feel better than ever and I no longer need medications!" Patti's grades have risen, her energy is tenfold and she says she no longer needs as much sleep.

Class Act Since the implementation of physical education in schools in the 1950's, American children hardly heard of diabetes and obesity. But budget deficits in recent years brought these programs to a screeching halt and schoolchildren were the first to suffer, with obesity becoming Public Enemy Number One and diabetes running a close second. Without exercise as an obligatory pursuit, these same children suffered a plethora of problems not experienced two decades ago.

In 2005, the Center for Disease Control funded nearly half a million dollars to The Nutrition and Physical Activity Program to Prevent Obesity and Other Chronic Diseases, an innovative program designed to help states prevent obesity and other chronic diseases by addressing two closely related factors -- poor nutrition and inadequate physical activity. The program supports states with developing and implementing science-based nutrition and physical activity interventions. The program's major goals are balancing caloric intake and expenditure; increasing physical activity; improving nutrition through increased consumption of fruits and vegetables; and reducing television time. So far there are 28 funded states.

Teen Esteem A 2002 study by The National Academy of Health demonstrated teens who did not exercise were five times more likely to engage in overuse of alcohol, drugs and crime than were those who were already committed to a regular schedule of exercise. Additionally, those who did exercise enjoyed stability in their school and social life. And of course, they were less prone to overeat and their self-esteem was by far better than their sedentary counterparts.

How's that for some heady inspiration? Just ask Valerie, who lost an astonishing 80 pounds by walking three miles a day. "It was so easy! I changed my diet completely," says the 5'8" 140 pound 10th grader. " I quit junk food and started walking and I look like this now!" she beams. "I also have more friends and that makes me feel tons better." According to one Valley high school teacher. "I can tell you this: when my students exercise and eat healthy foods, there are less behavioral disturbances, less body image obsessions -- and that's good enough for me." Agrees Woodland Hills psychologist Dr. Kristina Diener, "The metamorphosis from children to adolescents is challenging, but it needn't necessarily equate disaster. Exercise is essential in developing self-esteem and terrific interpersonal skills. Exercise also involves focus, which may aid in attention problems and other concentration issues. Children who exercise at an early age are at a tremendous advantage physically and psychologically."

Echoing those sentiments is 6'5" former WNBA player, Carolyn Moos. The athlete contends, "I am a true believer in exercise for our youth. It's instilled so much confidence in me, and I can see that when I coach teams. I believe in prevention before prescription!"

How else will exercise help our children? Physical activity instills:

Higher self-esteem; Improved respiration, cardiac output, and vascular system; Increased muscular strength, endurance, and bone density; Improved flexibility; Improved digestion and bowel function; Improved sensory skills; Decreased stress, insomnia, and depression; Increased social interaction

So get moving and build some teen esteem in your area!