HaysDays

         More than 600,000 North Texas teens are overweight and underage. That’s 36-percent of teens - the national average is 30-percent. Parents, that’s scary!! Doctors say, if this overweight epidemic is not stopped, this will be the first generation *not to live as long as their parents.

            I did a story on the issue featuring a 17-year old girl named Marisol Vazquez (it airs tonight - Thursday - at 9). Marisol describes herself as “chubby” – but decided to get control of her weight when she realized the possible health issues her weight could cause. Her mother and grandmothers are diabetics – not something she wanted for herself. Marisol and her doctor set a weight loss goal of 25 pounds. Congrats, Marisol! Because of her hard work and the help of the “Dean Foods Lean Families program” at “Children’s Medical Center Dallas” – she has already lost 10 pounds – that’s terrific! In the program – she is learning diet, nutrition, and exercise techniques to take her from her teen years – to a healthy adulthood. You can check out the program at http://www.childrens.com/Services/LeanFamilies/index.c
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As part of the story, I went shopping with Marisol and discovered the ”fashion frustrations" faced by overweight children and teens – finding something age appropriate, fashionable, and affordable. There are now stores like Torrid (Parks at Arlington, Shops at Highland Village, Town East Mall) that cater to plus size teens. Also in that multi-billion dollar segment of the retail industry - Old Navy, The Gap, Sears, JC Penney and Stride-Rite.

Marisol and I met Town East Mall’s Torrid Store Manager, Susan Christian, during our shopping spree. Susan is a great resource for anyone looking to dress for their particular body style. Susan used to weigh 300 pounds! But not anymore!! She lost more than half that weight – so she has “been there and done that” and can definitely help any parent or teen in need.

Again, congrats to Marisol and good luck with your new healthy lifestyle! It was great to get to know you and your family!