The fraction of the U.S. population classified as overweight continues to rise despite the plethora of dire health advisories and commercial diet plans bombarding the airwaves, print media and the Internet. Approximately 2/3 of American adults are overweight, as are at least one in five teenagers, which is more than twice the percentage observed in the 1970s. While most health professionals do not generally advocate dieting per se in this age group, several good options exist for teens to reduce weight and establish sound lifelong nutritional and other lifestyle habits.
Low-Carbohydrate Diet
A study conducted by Robert Smigel and colleagues at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and presented at the annual meeting of the Pediatric Academic Societies in 2007 found that a physician-supervised low-carbohydrate diet is an effective way for obese teenagers to lose weight. Over the six months during which the study was conducted, over five in six teens lost weight, with a mean loss of 11 lbs. and an average decrease in total calorie intake from over 2,400 to less than 1,200. Nevertheless, nutritionists---while generally not roundly viewing low-carb diets with disfavor---advise caution is this area for teenagers especially those who are physically active, and do not support fad or "limited-edition" diets such as the Atkins plan.
Wellspring Camps
Numbering about a dozen across North America, the founder of these camps tout them as alternatives to traditional "fat camps" that serve to intervene on teens' eating habits during the duration of their stays but do little to teach and instill long-term behavioral and attitude changes. In addition to educating teens and families about proper nutritional habits, Wellspring introduces campers to a variety of physical activities, including surfing, rafting, hiking and mountain climbing. Campers and staff members alike wear pedometers with the goal of reaching 10,000 steps a day; many tally 20,000 a day or more. By addressing the mental and emotional aspects of teenage obesity as well as the physical, Wellspring aims to offer a comprehensive foundation for lasting change.
"Good Fats" Diet
Because teenagers' bodies are still growing and developing, it is important even among those adolescents trying to lose weight to make sure that no essential nutrients are pared from the diet. In particular, any regimen must contain adequate levels of calcium for bone development and protein for muscle development. Complex carbohydrates are a better choice than simple sugars because they do not result in energy spikes and crashes; vitamins and minerals, just as with adults, are required for all manner of physiological and biochemical processes. For weight loss, baked meats are preferred and friend foods of all types are best avoided.
Member Comments