Tackling Obesity in Young Women

When it comes to successful weight loss strategies, most of research to date predominantly looks at middle-aged men and women, while young women are often forgotten about. However, with 21 per cent of Australian women aged 18-24 years being overweight and 15 per cent being obese, this group is quickly becoming more prone to obesity than any other age group. A lack of food skills, heavy alcohol consumption, regular meals eaten away from home and fad diets are just some of the reasons to blame for weight challenges in young women.

Effective weight loss in young women requires an understanding of their lifestyle, expectations and motivations. This generation wants quick results and expects weight loss to be fast and dramatic. They prefer to mix in groups of a similar age and enjoying a night out with the girls is a high priority. How young women manage their body goes a long way in predicting their weight and fat status throughout the rest of adulthood. To help young women tackle obesity, follow these tips:

Develop realistic strategies: Socialising is a big part of young women's lives therefore providing advice that excludes takeaway options from their menu is not going to get the desired results. For young women, eating out is a regular part of the week, not a treat. Educating young women on making better food choices by selecting a meal that provides low-GI carbohydrates, lean proteins and plenty of vegetables are a must.

Manage expectations: The media and celebrity diets create a false image that effective weight loss happens quickly. As a result, young women expect speedy weight loss results, when in actual fact slow and steady wins the weight loss war. Addressing the misinformation surrounding weight loss, as well as managing expectations for instant weight loss results can help women become more realistic with the goals

Teach cooking skills: Young women tend to dial for takeaway or eat out instead of cooking their own evening meal, as many lack the skills and knowledge required to plan, shop, prepare and cook a healthy meal. Educating women on essential kitchen appliances, grocery shopping and stocking a pantry is essential for this age group. Providing them with the skills to cook a range of quick and easy meals is also beneficial.

Be realistic about alcohol: Despite the extra kilojoules and poor food choices that accompany drinking, alcohol consumption is an important part of the social life of young women. Banning alcohol intake in young women merely isolates them from their social scene and is also an unrealistic strategy. Empower young women to adjust their drinking habits by educating them on the best choices and kilojoule content of popular beverages.

Treat emotional eating: Overeating among this age group is often in response to an emotional or psychological issue. Low self-esteem, loneliness, perfectionism and body dissatisfaction are associated with emotional eating, however using food as the main strategy to cope with managing emotions can develop into an "unhealthy food addiction". Emotional eating doesn't solve the problem and instead can further entrench self-loathing and negative thoughts and behaviours. Determining and addressing the cause of the emotional eating is recommended for weight management.