Author: Bethany Cox

YoNaturals California Vending knows thatadolescence is a difficult time for girls, and the prospect of suddenly gaining five, ten, or twenty more pounds only makes it that much more difficult. There are several reasons weight gain occurs throughout adolescence, varying from bad eating habits to hormonal changes. But a recent study soon to be released by The Journal of Pediatrics shows that there may be more factors influencing adolescent weight gain than previously recognized.

The study, conducted by Dr. Catherine Berkey and her colleagues (Harvard Medical School, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, and Washington University) suggests that there may be a correlation between weight gain and the following three factors:

1. The Internet

2. Alcohol

3. Lack of Sleep

Dr. Berkey and her colleagues surveyed more than 5,000 girls between the ages of 14 and 21, and asked them questions about how many hours they slept per night, as well as questions about their time spent on the internet and their alcohol consumption. The study showed that the girls who spent more time on the internet, who consumed alcohol regularly, and who lacked sleep were the girls who gained the most weight throughout the year.

And this, of course, makes sense. Increasing the amount of time spent on the internet means decreasing the amount of time spent being active. Some girls may feel compelled to stay home and chat in lieu of going out and exercising or joining a team sport. Internet use may also be affecting sleep. And of course everyone knows that alcohol is a notorious underlying cause of gradual weight gain.

So what should adolescent girls do to battle the weight gain propelled by the internet, alcohol, and a lack of sleep?

The first step is to get active. Spending time on the internet is fine, but if it means sacrificing other important aspects of life—such as your health—then it’s gone too far.

The second step is to substitute alcohol with other, healthier choices. It is possible to have fun without consuming alcohol, and there’s nothing wrong with grabbing a few healthy snacks and spending some quality time with friends. There are healthy, organic snacks and drinks widely distributed by many companies, such as YoNaturals vending machines, so the option to make a healthy decision is there—you just have to make it.

The third step is to get more sleep. The study showed that girls who slept less than 6 hours a night gained more weight than other participants, so make sure to get more than 6 hours of sleep. The good news is that increasing exercise and decreasing alcohol consumption will likely lead to a naturally better night’s sleep.             

Increased weight gain caused by the internet, alcohol, and a lack of sleep can be overcome. By increasing exercising, making healthy choices, and getting enough sleep, adolescent girls can feel good knowing they’re making positive, life-altering choices for themselves and their bodies.

SOURCE: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/114398.php