Nutrisystem for Teens

Nutrisystem for Teens
Photo Credit Medioimages/Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images

Teenagers who struggle with weight issues face the dilemma of how to approach the problem without compromising developmental health. While many teenagers try fad diets to lose weight quickly, others may wish to follow a diet plan that incorporates healthy eating habits into their daily lives. Nutrisystem is a weight-loss plan of pre-packaged meals designed to make weight loss easier by following a low-glycemic plan.

Teens and Obesity

Some teenagers have a predisposition to obesity through genetics, while other teens may not have learned healthy eating habits during childhood and adolescent years. Those teenagers who have a family history of obesity may struggle more with weight issues than their peers. A growing technological society of sedentary lifestyles in which children, teens and adults spend leisure time watching television, playing video games and surfing the Internet contribute to the growing occurrence of obesity in society. Consume a healthy, well-balanced diet and exercise for an hour a day, to combat the likelihood of reaching an unhealthy weight.

Teenage Development

As a teenager or adolescent experiences physical growth and the numerous body changes involved in this life stage, he may notice that other teens and adolescents are able to maintain a sleeker or more muscular shape. It is important for a teenager to understand that other individuals in his age group experience developmental changes and growth spurts at different times and that these changes are natural and crucial to healthy physical development. However, if a teenager is categorized as obese or overweight by a physician, it is important that steps are taken to reverse this condition.

Nutrisystem

Nutrisystem is a meal plan for individuals who wish to lose body fat while maintaining a healthy metabolism. The meals and snacks are prepackaged and the nutritional content is based on the glycemic index to keep blood sugar levels balanced throughout the day. This type of nutrition incorporates carbohydrates that are low in fat and high in fiber to keep the consumer fuller for longer periods of time.

Effects

Although Nutrisystem is based on a healthy concept of low glycemic consumption, many diet systems are based on the nutritional needs of adults. A teenager may still be in developmental stages in which muscle, fat and bone are continuing to grow. Teens and adolescents should be careful not to limit the amount of carbohydrates consumed. The body will pull from other energy stores in the body such as fats and proteins, to make up for the lack of carbs. The teenage and adolescent body relies on a healthy balance of proteins, fats and carbohydrates to function normally.

Warning

Before beginning a weight-loss regimen, consult your physician or health care provider to ensure that the weight-loss program is right for you. If any unusual health conditions occur while following a weight-loss program, contact your physician immediately.

References

Article reviewed by Julie Mendenhall Last updated on: Dec 30, 2010

Must see: Photo Galleries

Member Comments