Teens may feel a lot of pressure to lose weight and may try different types of diets, according to the Nemours Foundation. But a restrictive, adult-like diet is not the best way for teens to lose weight. Teenagers should not restrict their intake, because they still need to eat enough to support their continued growth and development. A slimming diet for teenagers should encourage healthy eating habits they can continue for a lifetime.
Significance
Obesity is a growing problem in the United States, especially among kids. Results from the 2007 to 2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey indicate that 18 percent of teens in the United States are obese. Being obese as a teenager increases your risk of developing chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and high-blood pressure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And obese teens are more likely to turn into obese adults.
Function
A slimming diet for teens should promote a healthy weight. Your doctor or school nurse can help you determine what a healthy weight is for you by figuring out your body mass index, or BMI. The BMI is a calculation that uses your height and weight to determine how much body fat you have, according to the Nemours Foundation. Because teenagers are still growing, your doctor uses a growth chart to compare your BMI to other teens your age. A healthy BMI falls between the 25th and 75th percentile.
Features
For teenagers, losing weight and keeping it off are a lifetime commitment, according to the Mayo Clinic. To be successful at losing weight, you should have help from your family, says the Nemours Foundation. You will have an easier time making better food choices if everyone is working together. It is also important to make small changes at a time so you don't feel overwhelmed. Small changes can be easily incorporated into your everyday routine and after awhile the small changes become a habit.
Types
Good slimming diets for teenagers include Shapedown, Slimkids and Take Charge of Your Health. Shapedown is a group weight-management program teaching teenagers and their parents how to be more active and choose healthier foods to get to a healthier weight. Slimkids is a home weight-management program based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. It teaches teenagers about portion control. Take Charge of Your Health is a weight-management program designed by the Weight-Control Information Network. It, too, is based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and focuses on foods teenagers need for normal growth and development.
Warning
Some teenagers may take dieting to the extreme, trying to reach an unrealistic weight goal or lose weight too quickly. If you are continuing to restrict your intake even though you are no longer overweight, you may have a problem, according to the Nemours Foundation. If you feel weak, dizzy or get headaches frequently, you may not be eating enough. Or if you are withdrawing from friends and family and doing poorly in school, it may be time to talk to an adult or your doctor.
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