It's normal for teens to be concerned about their appearance, especially if they're carrying around a few extra pounds and feel that they need to lose weight. However, parents and guardians should always ensure that teen boys don't start a weight-loss plan without a doctor's recommendation because restricting calories, using meal replacements or employing other diet strategies could interfere with a teen's normal, healthy growth and development.
Calories
Losing weight is a matter of calories in versus calories out, and the only safe and reliable way to drop pounds is to burn more calories than you consume. Therefore, quickly burning calories is one way to lose weight in a short amount of time. Boys can do that through participating in vigorous exercise, and they can save additional calories by eating smaller portions and choosing lower-calorie foods. To lose 1 lb. of weight, it's necessary to burn or save 3,500 calories.
Exercise
In the short term, intense cardiovascular exercises are more useful for weight loss than strength-training activities. MayoClinic.com notes that kickboxing, rollerblading and running are all among the most efficient workout choices; each burns more than 700 calories per hour for a 160-pound person. KidsHealth.org suggests that teen boys get at least 60 minutes of exercise every day, although more than that is necessary to spur quick weight loss.
Eating
Lowering your total caloric intake at the same time you're participating in a regular exercise plan will help you lose weight faster. MyPyramid.gov recommends that teens and adults make the foundation of their diets from low-calorie, nutritious items in five main food groups: vegetables, fruits, nonfat dairy, whole grains and lean proteins. Limiting desserts, salty snacks, processed foods, restaurant meals and soda can cut additional calories from the diet and further accelerate weight loss.
Pacing
Following a healthful, low-calorie diet and a regular exercise plan can help you lose up to 2 lb. each week. Losing weight more quickly than that could spell trouble, however. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who lose weight at a fast rate are less likely to keep it off over time. It's healthier, especially for boys who are still developing, to plan for moderate weight loss without employing severe calorie restriction or other strategies that could lead to more rapid results.
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