Today's teenagers believe that obesity is a bigger problem than serious eating disorders, according to a recent online poll.

Internet network Terra Lycos announced that its recent survey of U.S. teens found that 63 percent think obesity is a bigger problem than bulimia or anorexia among their peers.

The purpose of the poll was to see if teens, ages 13 to 18, agreed with recent opinions from doctors, parents and health experts that obesity is a steadily rising problem among today's youth.

According to the survey, of those who believe that obesity is a larger problem with their peers than bulimia or anorexia:

• 54 percent said they have a friend who is obese;
• 75 percent said that obese people are less popular among their peers;
• 47 percent said the rate of obesity is rising due to poor eating habits, followed by lack of activity or exercise (36 percent);
• 50 percent said that parents' lack of encouragement in healthy living is the main reason why teens become obese.

Of those who said that bulimia/anorexia is the larger problem facing their peers:

• 55 percent said they have a friend who has bulimia/anorexia; of these, only 39 percent tried to seek counseling for their friend;
• 48 percent believe that the reason people become bulimic/anorexic is because of low self-esteem.

Other sources: Terra Lycos