Obesity among adolescent females is a growing concern. Researchers say many girls are simply not getting enough exercise.

The Tucker Center report says even though girls are participating in sports in record numbers, the majority are still not meeting minimal standards for physical activity.

"The biggest risk is if you're overweight as a youth you're going to be overweight as an adult," said Physical Education Curriculum Specialist Nancy Anderson.

Health officials and students alike say body image is a contributing factor to this problem.

"You've got girls that are overweight and self conscious of body image and co-ed classes. I don't know that they feel comfortable," said Anderson.

"I think the media plays a big role in being skinny and having a certain body image and looking a certain way. I think that if girls don't look that way they feel really intimidated," said Superior High School student Kelly Stipetich.

To encourage adolescent girls to work-out, more schools, like Superior High School, are offering a wider variety of physical education classes.

"What we've done is modify our junior and senior curriculum to give kids choices as more of a cardio type class, a games and lifetime activity class, and strength and conditioning," said Superior High School Physical Education teacher Krista Soderberg.

Along with participating in fewer sports than boys, girls also have a higher rate of dropping out of sports.

Experts say that's because competitive climates are more likely to create anxiety and negative relationships among females.

"It's got to be fun. Women don't want the competitive aspect. They want it to be enjoyable and fun," said Anderson.

But the most important thing is that young girls learn how to live a healthy lifestyle.

"Our goal with our physical education program is by the time they're done and they leave Superior High School, they have a foundation to become a healthy person throughout their life," said Soderberg.

If you are interested in finding a workout facility in your area, check out our website at Northlands NewsCenter-dot-com and click on the "Fit City Duluth" tab.