Overweight teens face health and social problems, such as teasing from peers and low self- esteem. Losing weight may help you increase your confidence while improving your health and reducing your chances of serious health problems down the road. As a teen, you may have unrealistic expectations for the perfect figure. MayoClinic.com notes that there is no one perfect size, rather each person has her own healthy weight to strive for.
Get Your Family Involved
Losing weight requires effort through a better diet and physical activity. To make weight loss easier for yourself, Teens Health suggests getting your entire family to take part in a healthier lifestyle. Help prepare meals in a healthier way, such as grilling or steaming food. Invite your family on a walk around the neighborhood or for a day of swimming at the local pool. Even if others in the family aren't trying to lose weight, they still can benefit from a more nutritious diet and physical activity. In the process, you get a support network for your weight loss efforts.
Bike to School
Taking the bus, riding with a parent or driving yourself to school may be faster, but it doesn't offer any health benefits. Riding your bike or walking to school allows you to sneak in some physical activity and saves on gas. MayoClinic.com recommends 60 minutes of exercise a day for teens. Your commute to and from school helps you get closer to your daily physical activity goal. Always wear a properly-fitting helmet and obey all traffic rules when biking to school. If you live near a friend who also goes to your school, invite him along so you can catch up while getting in your daily exercise.
Pack Your Lunch
A healthy diet is a key component to losing weight. The school cafeteria may offer healthy choices, but it is difficult to know the nutrition information of the food items they serve. Packing your own lunch allows you to control everything you put in your mouth during your lunch period. Salads, sandwich wraps and stir fry are healthy options for your brown bag lunch. Pack healthy snacks, such as carrots, fruit, whole grain crackers and pretzels to keep your hunger under control between classes.
Avoid Comparisons
Teens Health recommends setting realistic weight loss goals for yourself. Avoid comparing your weight or figure to that of your friends. Comparisons invite frustration and may cause you to strive for an unrealistic and unhealthy weight for your body. Your goal should be to reach a healthy state rather than a specific number on the scale or dress size. Focus on improving your health instead of losing weight; you will lose weight realistically without putting yourself at risk.
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