The American Academy of Childhood and Adolescent Psychiatry reports that obesity in the United States is becoming a larger issue and that 16 to 33 percent of teens and kids are labeled as obese. Weight loss is important for teens who are overweight, but even those who maintain normal weights can benefit from eating healthier. Teens should consult their doctor to determine if weight loss is necessary.
Consume Fewer Calories
It is important to consume fewer calories to achieve weight loss. It sounds simple, but it is often hard to accomplish. To lose weight, a person must eat fewer calories every day than she burns. This does not mean that she has to eat less. She may be able to eat as much as she is used to, but instead of eating foods high in calories, she will eat low-calorie foods such as berries, vegetables and lean proteins. Teens should avoid calorie-rich foods such as chips, sugary sodas, sweets and greasy fast-food meals.
Keep a Journal
Documenting what a teen eats on a daily basis will provide him with insight into his eating habits and the foods he should cut out. A teen should keep track of his daily food intake in a journal, either in paper or electronic form. He needs to write down everything he eats and drinks throughout the day.
The teen should keep the journal for a week and then reflect back on his food choices. When reviewing the journal, the teen should look at times during the day when he seems to eat the most and think about what influences him to make poor food choices. Then, the teen can use the new information to make improvements and adjustments to his eating habits.
Drink Water
Water intake can help a teen lose weight. According to HelpGuide.org, people often confuse thirst for hunger; therefore, drinking water throughout the day will reduce a person's calorie intake and help the body break down food quickly. Sugary sodas should not replace a teen's water intake, because they will only add more calories to her diet and cause her to gain weight. Teens should carry a refillable water bottle with them throughout the day. This will make it convenient for them to consume enough water and keep feelings of hunger at bay.
Pay Attention While Eating
When a teen does not pay attention to what he eats, his digestive process can be 30- to 40-percent less effective, notes HelpGuide.org. Teens should focus on the foods they are eating while they are eating them instead of eating while waiting television or doing homework. Paying attention to eating will help a teen know when he is full, which will help him avoid overeating.
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