An estimated 17 percent of children aged 2 to 19 are considered to be obese, according to a 2007-2008 study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Overweight teenagers put themselves into a higher risk category for obesity-related diseases as they get older, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Many teen diet and exercise programs exist, but it's important to do your research before choosing one. Check with your doctor before starting any new diet.
SlimKids
Founded in 1995 by Laura Kraemer RN, CPN, SlimKids is a doctor- and dietician-approved diet and exercise program specifically designed for kids and teens. The main idea behind this diet program involves limiting the daily caloric intake of teenagers while still allowing them to eat many of the most popular foods, such as hot dogs and pizza, in moderation.
The dietary advice found in the SlimKids program is based on recommendations by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In addition to teaching teens how to eat healthy, SlimKids also promotes daily exercise and discourages against spending too much time watching TV, playing video games or using the computer.
CDC's Exercise Recommendation
The CDC recommends that teenagers get at least 60 minutes of exercise per day. This includes at least three days a week of vigorous activities, such as running, and muscle- and bone-strengthening activities, such as resistance training and jumping rope. The CDC defines moderate physical activity as anything that gets your heart rate beating faster and your breathing rate increased slightly above normal levels; vigorous activity is any physical activity that's a step above that.
MyPyramid Diet Plan
The United States Department of Agriculture offers teenagers the chance to obtain a free, personalized diet plan based on the department's Dietary Guidelines for Americans report, which is updated every five years. You can get your free diet advice through MyPyramid, which lets you track calories online. If MyPyramid determines that your body mass index, or BMI, is above normal levels, you have the option of selecting a diet plan that will help you lose weight safely.
The primary food groups recommended by the USDA include whole grain items, low-fat or nonfat dairy, vegetables, fruits and limited lean meats. In addition to dieting advice, MyPyramid will also suggest an exercise regimen to help you achieve overall health and wellness.
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