How Can Teenage Girls Lose Weight?

How Can Teenage Girls Lose Weight?
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Being overweight can be more than just upsetting to a teenage girl -- it can also contribute to health complications such as high blood pressure, irregular menstrual cycles, shortness of breath, early physical maturity, type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. Although sometimes difficult, a teenage girl can shed unwanted pounds through healthy diet and exercise.

Increase Activity

Increase your activity so that you are exercising or being physically active for 60 minutes every day. Pick any exercise that you enjoy, such as ballet, in-line skating, biking or walking or jogging with friends. The more you enjoy the exercise, the more likely you are to stick with it. You can also join a sports team or after-school activity, such as softball or track. If you don't have time to do a solid hour of exercise at one time, split up your activity into shorter sessions.

Eat More Times a Day

Instead of the traditional three large meals, eat about five smaller meals or snacks throughout the day. Eating smaller meals more frequently helps your body to release insulin, which stabilizes the blood sugar and keeps hunger under control. It also helps to boost your metabolism. Between 5 and 15 percent of calories are spent on just the digestive process. So the more often you eat small meals, the more calories your body will burn -- and the more weight you will lose.

Drink Water

After milk or juice for breakfast, consume only water for the rest of the day and avoid the sodas in the school vending machines. The average American consumes approximately 245 calories every day just from soft drinks, or about 25 pounds per year. In addition, sugary drinks are empty calories that do not trigger fullness.

Eat Breakfast Every Day

Eat a nutritious breakfast every single day. Breakfast will give your metabolism a boost, helping to give you more energy and burn more calories throughout the day. It can also keep your hunger at bay, stopping you from overeating at meals and snack times. If you do not like traditional high-fiber cereals, consider eating last night's leftovers for breakfast or having yogurt with fruit and a handful of nuts.

References

Article reviewed by Paula Martinac Last updated on: May 26, 2011

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