Nearly 30 percent of American children and adolescents suffer from obesity, according to a 2008 study in the "American Academy of Children and Adolescent Psychiatry." Children and youth are not immune to the health issues related to carrying excess weight, such as diabetes. The challenge for overweight teens is to have a diet that leads to weight loss while still providing the nutrients needed for growth and development. Several studies suggest that the South Beach diet is an effective diet for teens, if it is supervised by a doctor.
South Beach Diet
Not satisfied with the traditional low-fat, high-carb diet promoted by the American Heart Association, Dr. Arthur Agatston developed the South Beach diet for his overweight cardiac patients. Dr. Agatston says the South Beach diet isn't low-carb or low-fat, although the initial phase of the diet severely restricts carb consumption. The South Beach diet has three phases. During the first phase, grains, fruit and sugars are eliminated, leading to weight loss up to 13 lbs. during the first two weeks. Phase two adds whole grain carbs to the diet and lasts until the desired weight loss is reached. Phase three is the maintenance phase. This is where the South Beach diet becomes a way of eating, not a diet plan.
Teen Nutrition
Teenage bodies are still growing and need nutrients to facilitate growth and development. In particular, teens need iron, calcium and fiber. While the South Beach diet limits carbs initially, many of the nutrients teens need are available in lean protein, low-fat dairy and vegetables. Reuters reported on a 2010 study published in the "Journal of Pediatrics" that concluded that a low-carb diet "appeared to be safe, with no serious harmful effects on growth, bone mineral density, and various 'metabolic' parameters, such as cholesterol levels."
Family Eating
The best way to help your teen learn healthy eating through the South Beach diet is to include low-carb foods in your family meals. The South Beach diet includes a variety of food the entire family can enjoy. Instead of cooking fried chicken and potatoes, which aren't healthy for anyone, prepare the South Beach Savory Chicken Saute and mashed cauliflower described in Dr. Agatston's book. Feed your family complex carbs, such as whole wheat bread or tortillas and whole wheat pasta when your teen reaches the later phases of the diet. Phase three involves eating a healthy diet of lean proteins, low-fat dairy, vegetables, fruits and whole grain appropriate for the entire family.
Considerations
Diet experts caution putting teens on a diet because of the word's negative connotation and the impact it can have on self-esteem. Dieting can lead to eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia and binge eating. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that 30 percent of girls and 16 percent of boys in high school suffer from an eating disorder. It also states that the risk of obesity is 324 percent higher for teen girls who diet than for those that don't. Instead of putting your teen on a diet, consider referring to the South Beach diet as a healthy eating plan.
References
- "American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry"; Obesity in Children and Teens; May 2008
- "The South Beach Diet"; Arthur Agatston, M.D.; 2003.
- U.S. Department of Agriculture: Spotlight on What Teens Eat, What They Need
- Reuters: High-Protein Low-Carb Diet an Option in Obese Teens; Howard Wolinsky; April 2010.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Eating Disorders and Obesity: How Are They Related?
Member Comments