Teens across the United States are beginning to change the way they view exercise and healthy eating habits. From exercising more frequently and attending physical education classes, to eating a nutritionally balanced diet, teens are taking action.

Every two years, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) conducts a survey of teens across the nation, called the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). Two elements of this survey measured physical activity and dietary behaviors, including weight management.

Teens in Indiana are noticeably improving their exercise and eating habits. Within the past three years, the percentage of obese teens has dropped from 15% to 13.8%. Though staggering numbers of teens are considered obese, the decrease shows that teens may be starting to understand the benefits of exercise and healthy diets.

The 2007 Indiana Youth Risk Behavior Survey shows that over half of the students in high school exercise five or more times per week for approximately 60 minutes. Compare this to 2005, when less than a third reached this level.

Another factor changing the activity level of teens is that each year, more teens are involved in school-sponsored teams such as basketball, volleyball, football, soccer or track. Some teens are involved in multiple teams, with practices and games throughout the week increasing one’s activity levels.

In addition to exercising more frequently, teens are reportedly eating healthier too. Approximately 20% of teens report eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

Considering the above statistics, some other interesting facts discovered by this survey are worth noting. On average, teens are smoking less, but binge drinking is becoming more common. In addition, the number of teens carrying a gun almost doubled since 2005.

The report also reveals that 62% of teens exercise to lose weight; almost 44% eat less food to lose weight; and approximately 32% see themselves as very overweight. This has lead teens to take diet pills and powders, without the direction of a physician, to lose weight. Approximately 5% of teens regularly induce vomiting with the hope of weight loss.

Overall, though the changes are minimal, teens around the U.S. are making an effort to effect changes in their exercise and diet habits. With more frequent exercise and healthier eating, some teens are beginning to improve their health.