Weight Loss Supplement For Teenagers

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, about 17 percent of teenagers between the ages of 12 and 19 are overweight in the United States. Weight loss supplements, which are easily accessible to teens, may seem like an easy way to drop unwanted pounds. However, some of these medications are dangerous, and teens and their parents need to understand these products and their potential side effects.

Types Available

A variety of weight loss supplements are available on the Internet and in stores. Among them include orlistat, ephedra and chitosan. Orlistat is available in prescription and over-the-counter forms. It is part of a class of medications called lipase inhibitors. Ephedra is a powerful stimulant derived from a plant native to Mongolia. Although banned in weight loss supplements, it can still be found in some remedies and online. The medication chitosan is also available over-the-counter.

Uses

Weight loss supplements work in a variety of ways to encourage weight loss in teenagers. Some medications, such as orlistat and chitosan, can block the absorption of fat, preventing it from entering the intestines. This fat then exits the body via the stool. Medications such as ephedra can not only decrease the appetite, but can also enhance energy and benefit athletic performance.

Dangers

Weight loss supplements are typically designed for adults and are not recommended for use by teenagers, according to the KidsHealth website. In addition, many of these medications can have dangerous and unpleasant side effects such as loose stool, pain in the stomach, headaches, irregular menstrual periods, anxiousness, diarrhea and gas. Some medications, such as ephedra can cause dangerous cardiovascular complications such as heart attack and stroke. In fact, the FDA banned the sale of all supplements containing ephedra in 2004.

Parental Help

If a teenager is considering using weight loss supplements, the Mayo Clinic recommends that parents become involved. A parent should speak to the teen, explaining that dietary aids and fad diets are not an effective way to lose weight. Not only are they short term, but they can also rob a child's body of the nutrients necessary for growth. A family should work together to become healthier, adopting healthy habits the entire family can participate in such as cooking healthy meals and being active together.

Alternatives

Instead of using weight loss supplements, the KidsHealth website recommends that a teenager alter his lifestyle. He should eat a balance diet consisting of all of the food groups including low-fat dairy products, lean meats, vegetables, fruits and whole-grains. He should also find fun ways to exercise. He can join a sports team, play basketball in the driveway, ride his bike, swim or even be active around the house by helping with cleaning and gardening.