Obesity in teenagers is a hazardous and rising problem. In fact, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry website notes that between 16 and 33 percent of adolescents and children are obese in the United States. Because being overweight contributes to serious health conditions such as diabetes and cancer, it is important to understand how to lose weight safely. Experts recommend losing about 1 or 2 pounds a week -- any more than that is unhealthy and difficult to sustain.
Methods
There are a variety of unhealthy and healthy ways for a teen to shed weight quickly. Consider safety first; losing 1 or 2 pounds per week is quick enough. Healthy methods include reducing calories by about 500 a day and being active, exercising or playing a sport for approximately an hour every day. Obese teens can also undergo a surgical procedure such as stapling or banding the stomach if a doctor approves. Unhealthy rapid weight loss methods include starving or severely restricting food intake, binging and purging, and excessive exercise.
Benefits
Weight loss can offer many benefits for an obese or overweight teenager. It can help to reduce high blood pressure, high cholesterol and abnormal blood lipid levels. In addition, it can help remedy or manage obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, gall bladder disease, obstructive sleep apnea and joint problems. Quick weight loss can also improve a teenager's self-esteem and lessen the symptoms of depression.
Warnings
The Times website warns that losing weight too quickly can lower a teenager's metabolism and make the body go into starvation mode. As a result, the body temperature plummets, causing discomfort and coldness. Fast weight loss can also affect a teenager's brain processes because the brain relies on the sugar stores in the body which are often depleted with rapid weight loss. This can cause trouble with thinking, concentration and memory. Teens can also suffer from low blood pressure, low heart rate and organ and bone shrinkage.
Tips
To lose weight safely, scale back your portion sizes and eat slowly so that you can recognize your body's hunger cues. It is OK to indulge in an unhealthy food once in awhile, but try to split it with a friend or skip ordering dessert. Although they are easily available, even in schools, try to avoid soda pop and fruit juice. Sugary drinks such as these add empty calories to your diet. Drink unsalted club soda or flavored water instead.
References
- Something Fishy: Physical Dangers and Effects of an Eating Disorder
- KeepKidsHealthy: Weight Loss Tips
- Mayo Clinic: Teen Weight Loss: Healthy Habits Count
- KidsHealth: Overweight and Obesity
- The Times: Dangers of Weight Loss
- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Obesity In Children And Teens
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