Weight issues among teens is no rarity. Many adolescents, especially young girls, struggle with their self-esteem as well as how much they weigh, which can fluctuate during the years when hormones are causing changes to the body. Many girls seek methods of losing weight and achieving an ideal body shape. This is a slippery slope, because many young people approach weight loss in unhealthy ways. In extreme cases, this can lead to life-threatening eating disorders. Because of this, it is important that weight loss and weight control be approached in safe ways that focus on lifestyle changes more than quick diet fixes.
Step 1
Discuss a teenager's weight problems with them. Weight shouldn't always be ignored, because a teen who carries excessive weight is at a greater risk of lifelong problems like diabetes and high blood pressure. Additionally, a healthy plan--rather than starving himself--needs to be implemented. Focus on providing support and understanding to your child and offering guidance in making the right choices.
Step 2
Caution against unhealthy decisions. Steer your child away from crash diets or starving herself by pointing out the potential health risks. You should also note that your child will not achieve the desired results--many crash diets only offer temporary gains but little to no long-term weight loss, and the effects of eating disorders often cause a sickly appearance.
Step 3
Emphasize the importance of physical activity. Teenagers should be active most days of the week for periods of anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes or more. This can be activities such as walking, playing outside or participating in a sport. The activity will help boost metabolism and burn calories, and the activities themselves can boost self-esteem.
Step 4
Choose healthy foods to feed your child. Teenagers that load up on sweets and unhealthy foods aren't helping their efforts to lose weight. You can improve both your teen's diet and weight problems by integrating fruits and vegetables into meals and also by encouraging water and natural fruit juices instead of soft drinks and sports drinks. You could also focus on whole grains and lean meats and minimize the consumption of fats and oils.
Step 5
Stay optimistic. Maintain a supportive and positive attitude toward your child. Suggest he keep a food journal to track his dieting progress and to express his feelings, and emphasize the importance of being healthy, rather than having an ideal figure.
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