Football is Life

During high school, I had the opportunity to dive into a topic that affects millions of young people around the world: youth obesity. What started as a class research project quickly became something much more personal — a chance to understand not just the science behind the issue, but also the real-life challenges facing kids and teens today.

Why I Chose Youth Obesity

I’ve always been interested in health, and when I looked around at my peers, I noticed how often conversations about body image, fitness, and diet came up. Some students were struggling with self-esteem, while others dealt with health problems connected to weight. That made me wonder: what does the data actually say about obesity in young people? What are the causes, and what can be done?

The Research

I began by exploring national statistics. According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 5 children and adolescents in the United States is affected by obesity. That number shocked me. I also found that youth obesity isn’t just about appearance — it increases the risk of developing serious health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even certain types of cancer later in life.

But numbers only tell part of the story. My research also focused on the causes, which are complex:

• Diet: Increased access to fast food and sugary drinks.
• Physical inactivity: More time spent on screens, less time outdoors.
• Environment: Not every community has safe parks, affordable sports, or access to fresh foods.
• Family and culture: Eating habits often develop early and are shaped by home life.

Preparing the Presentation

For my presentation, I wanted the audience — my classmates and teachers — to connect with the issue. Instead of overwhelming them with statistics, I highlighted personal stories, simple graphics, and comparisons that made the numbers real. I shared how obesity can affect mental health, self-confidence, and academic performance, not just physical health.

I also talked about solutions. Schools can play a role by encouraging healthier cafeteria options and promoting sports or physical activities. Families can help by cooking meals together and limiting screen time. And most importantly, we as teens can make small but meaningful choices — like walking instead of driving, choosing water over soda, or supporting friends instead of judging them.

What I Learned

The biggest lesson I took away is that youth obesity is not just about personal choice — it’s about the environment we live in. Blaming individuals doesn’t solve the problem; changing systems and supporting healthier lifestyles does.

Giving that presentation helped me grow as both a student and a person. It showed me that research can inspire awareness, and awareness can spark change. Even as a high school student, I realized I had the ability to bring attention to an issue that truly matters.