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Study: Teen Obesity Likely To Worsen In Adulthood

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — We already know that America is an overweight nation, but a new study shows teens may take their extra weight with them into their adult years.

Researchers with the American Medical Association say obese young people between the ages of 12- and 21-years-old are sixteen times more likely to become severely obese adults, while less than five percent of average-weight teens went on to become severely obese, increasing their risk of conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

Dr. Michael Wong with St. Vincent Medical Center in L.A. tells KFWB's Michael Shappee how teens can break the obesity cycle.

The 13-year study of nearly 9,000 adolescents defines obesity as weighing between 80 to 100 pounds above that of someone of average height and weight.

(©2010 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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