Teen Weight Loss Guide

Approximately 14% of adolescents aged 12 to 19 are overweight according to recent studies. Young people who are overweight and obese now are more likely to be overweight and obese as adults. This can cause a number of health problems.

The main reasons given for the rise in obesity and overweight among teenagers are unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity. Having your teenager to embark on a weight loss program that has worked for an adult may not be the answer. It may also cause serious health problems for your child.

Teenagers are still growing and cutting back on their food intake could cause serious growth problems. It is important that diet programs for teens include all their nutritional needs.

Parents and schools should make teenagers aware of the basic concepts about healthy eating. If they eat too little, their health will be at risk. If they eat too much or consistently eat the wrong foods, they will gain weight. They need to understand that extra food and foods saturated with fat turns into body fat and increases their weight.

It may be difficult to get your teens to understand that eating fried foods like chicken, burgers, potato chips, and French fries are high in fat and will cause weight gain. It is also difficult to get them to avoid foods that have a combination of fat and sugar such as cookies, pies, chocolates, and other desserts.

Diet programs for overweight teens should be based on two concepts: healthy eating (the right diet) and regular exercise. Research shows that school-based programs can increase physical activity and improve nutrition among students. Nutrition classes in schools can teach teens the benefits of eating healthy foods and encourage them to participate in sports teams and other physical activities. Parents can become involved by requesting that healthier foods be served in schools and by preparing healthy meals at home.

Parents can also become involved by encouraging their children to participate in team sports or promoting other physical activity outlets. Many teens spend their time in front of the computer, watching television, or playing video games. Family outings such as hiking or swimming can increase their participation in physical activities. A game of Frisbee throwing in the park is physical exercise without it seeming to be. Family cycling or evening walks are also a good way to get everyone involved in physical activity. Also adding chores such as mowing the lawn will increase their physical activity.

Dieting and exercise for teenagers is the same as for adults. They need to be motivated and goal oriented. If you are overweight and do not show any self-discipline, they may not. Healthy eating and physical activity has to be a family affair.

There is no quick weight loss method. The excess body fat has to be removed from the body. However, the right combination of healthy eating and exercise will help your teen lose weight and keep them healthy.