Weight loss for any age group basically looks the same: Consume fewer calories than you expend, creating an ongoing caloric deficit that results in weight loss. Several factors make weight loss difficult for teens: They rely on their parents for the food they consume, and while they have some freedom to make eating choices away from home, they often eat socially, consuming foods with peers at restaurants and fast food joints. Additionally, they may fail to get enough exercise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, research shows that physical activity declines as adolescents move through school. Teens may benefit from structured educational programs and online resources to learn how to make healthy decisions.
Personal or Group Training
Enrolling your teen in personal or group training at your local community center or gym will provide your teen with structured attention from a professionally certified exercise specialist. Personal trainers plan and tailor workouts to their clients' needs, and your child will learn how to perform exercises and attain the suggested physical activity allotment each week. Do your research and find a personal trainer who holds a certification through an organization that has been accredited through the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, and think carefully about who you want training your child. Schedule a time for your teen and the trainer to meet and talk before purchasing any sessions to ensure that your teen feels comfortable with the trainer you choose.
Sports
Sports provide a healthy outlet for physical activity regardless of whether or not your child views himself as an athlete. According to Discovery Health's Activity Calorie Burn Calculator, if your teen weighs at least 150 pounds, sports such as casual basketball, soccer, kickball and ice skating all burn more than 400 calories per hour. Even shuffleboard and miniature golf burn more than 200 calories per hour, while flag football or ultimate frisbee burn more than 500 calories per hour. Sports, whether played competitively or for fun, provide a mechanism for obtaining physical activity and burning calories that help create a calorie deficit when combined with healthy nutrition.
Online Assistance
The Internet provides excellent information that encourages education and provides tools for teen weight loss. Some websites provide information geared specifically for teens and young adults, such as GirlsHealth.gov and Go Ask Alice!, while others pool resources for teens with adult programs, such as SmallStep Adult & Teen. These websites provide information on healthy nutrition and physical activity. Tools such as activity calculators, BMI calculators and calorie calculators help teens make accurate and deliberate decisions regarding activity and nutrition.
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