Being a teen isn't easy, especially if you are an overweight teen. It doesn't matter if you are 10, 20 or 30 lbs. overweight, it's how you view yourself that matters. In a society that displays model bodies on TV and in magazine ads, desperation to lose weight can quickly overtake you. However, dieting is a long-term commitment to healthy living. Although some diets promise quick weight loss, the healthy route is the way to go.
Significance
The Cleveland Clinic points out that in the last 30 years, the percentage of overweight children has more than doubled. This places them at risk for becoming overweight adults and developing chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Self-esteem is another issue, especially for teens who must cope with peer pressure on many levels each day. Losing weight with a proper eating plan helps to reduce these medical risks, but gives them back their feeling of self-worth.
Talk to Your Teen
Numerous diets and diet pills promise quick fixes, however, these are a band-aid for a wound requiring long-term attention. Help your teen understand she needs to set realistic, healthy goals. Rather than focusing on losing 5 lbs. a week, explain that 1 to 2 lbs. per week is average. This prevents discouragement from setting in. You need to differentiate between short-term and long-term eating habits. Help her realize that dieting is a lifetime commitment to healthier choices; it doesn't end when she reaches her goal weight.
Use a Registered Dietitian
Make an appointment with a registered dietitian. She can help your child determine what his goal weight should be based on his age and height. She can also help him devise an eating plan he can stick with by including foods he enjoys. Go with him and show your support by offering to buy foods the entire family can eat. Knowing you are willing to make these changes with him will encourage him to begin and continue his road to weight loss.
Prepare Breakfast Every Morning
Breakfast is extremely important, and even if your teen resists, make sure she eats something before leaving for school each morning. Wake her a half hour earlier every morning and suggest some high-fiber cereal or whole wheat toast. The Mayo Clinic explains that eating breakfast boosts your teen's metabolism, helping her burn more calories while reducing the risk of overeating through the day. If she doesn't like cereal or toast, offer her fruit, nuts or string cheese. All are healthy and provide her with nutrition before she walks out the door.
Encourage Exercise
Exercise is a pivotal aspect of any diet. Teens need 60 minutes of exercise each day, explains the Mayo Clinic. This can be in short intervals, or one longer session. Make this a family affair for your teen so he doesn't feel like it's a chore. Play touch football, go for bike rides or have three-legged races. Anything that gets everyone in your family off the couch and moving is fine. This improves everyone's health and helps to get your teen closer to his goal weight.
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