Even for a teen, carrying extra weight increases the risk of developing health conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure, according to Kids Health. Overweight or obese teens have a greater chance of developing low self-esteem, depression and eating disorders. You can help your teen by understanding weight loss solutions and providing support.
Obesity
To calculate your teen's body mass index (BMI), divide her weight in pounds by her height in inches, then multiply this number by 703. You then need a BMI chart to determine what category your teen falls into. If her BMI fell between the 85th and 95th percentile, she is overweight. She is classified as obese if her BMI falls above the 95th percentile, according to Kids Health. BMI provides a good indicator of body fat, but does not provide a precise classification of your teen's weight. If you do not have access to a BMI chart, do not understand the process of using the BMI chart or have concerns about your teen's weight, contact a medical professional.
Lifestyle
Your teen needs to evaluate his activity level. If your teen sits in front of a TV, computer or video game system most of the day, help him become more active, according to Go Ask Alice!--a website provided by Columbia University. Encourage your teen to invite a friend to play an outside sport, take a quick-paced walk or ride bikes. Encourage your teen to take breaks from his games or TV to get some exercise by walking up and down the steps or jogging in place for 10 minutes a few times a day. Physical fitness should be fun. Help your teen find physical activities he enjoys, and join in with him where possible.
Eating Habits
Most teenage boys require 2,800 calories per day; and most teenage girls require 2,200 calories per day, according to Healthy Children. Help your teen plan her meals and snacks so that she consumes 50 to 60 percent of her calories from complex carbohydrates such as fruit, vegetables and whole grains; 10 to 20 percent from lean protein; and less than 30 percent from fat, most of which should be unsaturated fat. You can help your teen by loading the cupboards and refrigerator with quick, healthy choices. Encourage your teen to begin replacing high-calorie drinks with water. Make changes slowly, so your teen does not rebel.
Support
Help your teen stay on track by supporting him. You can show your teen support by praising his efforts, telling him you love him regardless of his size, encourage him to try again if he fails at losing weight, helping him find solutions he will enjoy and allowing him to determine if and when he wants to lose weight, according to the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. Make healthier eating and exercise part of the family's routine.
Outside Help
If at-home weight loss attempts fail, you may need to turn to professional help. Your teen's medical practitioner can help devise a weight loss plan, send your teen to a nutritionist, recommend a weight loss camp or determine if your teen would benefit from bariatric surgery.
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