Diet for Obese Teen Girls

Obesity during the teen years places an individual at higher risk for hypertension, diabetes, gallbladder disease and heart disease. Adolescent girls often struggle emotionally with weight gain that occurs during puberty, and an obese teen girl is at a higher risk to develop depression, low self-esteem and social problems related to her weight. Doctors and nutritionists will recommend a balanced diet and exercise plan for the treatment of obese teen girls.

Obesity and Caloric Intake

Obese teen girls will typically be treated with a balanced diet that focuses on healthy caloric intake. The U.S. Department of Agriculture notes that sedentary teen girls should consume between 1,400 and 1,800 calories per day while active teen girls should eat between 1,800 and 2,400 calories daily. A doctor or nutritionist will first assess the obese girl's body mass index and activity levels to determine her individual calorie targets. These calorie targets will help encourage the patient to refrain from overeating and will form the framework for her weight loss plan.

Balanced Diet and Food Suggestions

A balanced diet consists of 45 to 65 percent carbohydrates, 10 to 35 percent protein and 20 to 35 percent fat. Females should also be consuming 22 to 28 grams of fiber per day. Obese teen girls will be encouraged to choose lean protein such as chicken, turkey, and fish and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to limit fat and emphasize nutrient-rich foods. Whole grain breads, cereals, and pastas offer healthy carbohydrate sources, and low-fat dairy offers protein and calcium. Snacks and fast foods high in saturated fats, trans fats, and sugars are often popular among teens, and an obese teen girl will need to restrict these foods from her diet.

Lifestyle and Exercise

Lifestyle changes such as a consistent eating schedule, healthy cooking practices and daily exercise are essential to an effective weight loss plan. An obese teen girl and her parents will be encouraged to learn healthy meal planning strategies, and grocery shopping and cooking skills. Meals and snacks should be scheduled evenly throughout the day to control hunger and prohibit unhealthy snacking or bingeing. Patients will also start a exercise plan with a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity each day. As a weight loss plan progresses, a girl should be encouraged to increase her activity levels and engage in sports, groups, or clubs that involve physical movement.

Expert Insights

Obese teen girls face special challenges because adolescent girls, in general, typically experience pressure to be thin. In addition, parents, family and friends have a key influence on a teen girl's eating habits and success with weight loss, as most teen girls typically eat with family or friends. Parents should play an integral role in support treatment plans for an obese teen girl. Family and individual mental health counseling to support positive eating behaviors and self-esteem is also highly recommended.