When it comes to your teen and tween girls, the pressure of them being thin may just be one of the worries you have. Young girls have tons of pressure, about looks, about boobs, about hair and fashion, about boys — and yes, also about sex. But, according to a new study by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the rate of obese and overweight teen girls having sex is far earlier than their thin counterparts.
Three Times More
Obese girls are three times more likely to have had sex before the age of 13 than thinner girls and are 30% more likely to have more than three partners during their teens — wow, that seems high! They’re also much less likely to use protection.
But, Why?
According to the study, obese and overweight girls hit puberty early so therefore are ready earlier to have sex. Also, and very importantly, these girls likely don’t have the self esteem to say no, or even ask their partner to put on a condom.
Talk to Your Teen
Communicating openly and honestly is always the best way to go when it comes to sex. There are ways in which to approach it — like bringing it up when talking about someone else, and keeping the conversation light, not accusatory. Tell your daughter you’re her mom and you are here for her no matter what, let her know someone is looking out for her, and give her the courage to say no. Encourage her, praise her, tell her she is beautiful
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