Being overweight as a teen can take its toll both physically and mentally. It may cause self-esteem and peer problems. Being overweight also increases a teen's risk of developing certain diseases later in life such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. Parents can make weight loss easier for teens by making healthy changes as a family.
Snacks
Changing the snacks available to a teen can help him lose weight without feeling hungry. Candy bars, chips, cookies and snack cakes are high in calories and fat. Stock your fridge with healthier and low-calorie options such as cut-up pieces of celery, carrot sticks and low-fat dip, low-fat string cheese, fat-free pudding, fresh fruit and graham crackers. If he is craving something sweet, keep 100-calorie pack snack foods in the house.
Soda
On average, one can of soda has about 150 calories. If your teen is drinking four or five cans of soda daily, that's an extra 600 to 750 calories that she does not need. Drinking water and low-calorie beverages such as skim milk and unsweetened iced tea can help her reach her goal weight quickly.
Fast Food
Eating fast food can put a lot of extra weight on your teen. However, many teens socialize by getting fast food together. If he still wishes to eat fast food, suggest he choose healthier options on the menu. Examples include salads and grilled chicken options. Use fat-free and light dressings on salads. Diet soft drinks have fewer calories than regular soda. If he must have fries, ask him to order the smallest size. Instead of eating fast food at home, serve low-calorie family meals that are made up of mostly vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains.
Exercise
Getting your teen active is a fun and easy way to help her lose weight as quickly as possible. The more you move, the more calories you burn. Limit screen time to less than two hours per day and request she do chores that keep her moving such as walking the dog and bicycling to the store. Encourage participation in school sports or community leagues.
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