It's normal for girls to gain weight during their teenage years as they grow taller and their bodies develop. If you gain too much weight, however, you have a higher risk of developing some diseases, such as type 2 diabetes. In addition, people that are overweight as teenagers are more likely to be overweight as adults.
Is Weight Loss Necessary?
Determine whether you need to lose weight before going on a diet. Talk to your doctor about your weight or use a Child and Teen Body Mass Index, or BMI, calculator. Don't use an adult BMI calculator; adult calculators aren't accurate for teenagers. Don't decide whether you're fat by comparing your body to images in the media or people you know; everyone is shaped differently, and actresses and models are often unrealistically thin.
Smart Lifestyle Changes
For lasting weight loss and health benefits, forget diets, pills or other weight loss fads. Instead, make smarter choices about your diet and add more physical activity into your day. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables and whole grains, as well as lean meats and low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Stay away from fast food and soda -- fried foods and sugary drinks aren't good for you, and they have lots of empty calories, too. In addition, get physical activity every day. Choose physical activity you enjoy, such as walking with a friend, jumping rope, riding your bike, shooting baskets or doing yoga.
Mistakes and Myths
Avoid falling for common diet myths, such as eating certain foods that supposedly burn fat or cutting out entire food groups. No foods can burn fat, and you need nutrients from all of the food groups. Eat breakfast and don't skip meals -- you'll end up so hungry that you'll probably overeat later. Stay away from diet pills and supplements, too; these products don't lead to lasting weight loss, and some may be dangerous to your health, including those labeled all-natural or herbal.
Improving Body Image
Your body image is how you feel about your body. Media messages and societal pressures to be extremely thin cause many teenage girls to have a poor body image. Improve your body image by not comparing yourself to pictures in magazines -- they're digitally altered anyway -- or your friends. Wear clothes that make you feel good about yourself and don't judge yourself or others based on looks alone. For example, value what your body can do, such as kick a soccer ball or run six miles, and remind yourself of other personal characteristics that make you proud.
Member Comments