Teenagers who are overweight or obese are more likely to struggle with weight issues in adulthood. Obese teens have an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke later in life. To help a teen lose weight in a healthful manner, you should focus more on the health benefits than appearances. Never ridicule or criticize to inspire a teenager to lose weight. Speak to your doctor about helping your teen reach a healthy weight.
Step 1
Help the teen work in 60 minutes of exercise per day. Due to her busy schedule, she may need to exercise in shorter intervals. Some activities to suggest include brisk walks around the neighborhood, bike rides or jogs with the family dog. After-school sports can also help your teen become more physically active to lose weight.
Step 2
Limit screen time. Teenagers can spend hours on end in front of computer and television screens. Allow the teen only two hours in front of the television or computer. You can extend the time if the teen is required to use the computer for school-related work.
Step 3
Serve a low-fat breakfast. Allowing the teen to skip breakfast may make him more likely to overindulge when he is not at home during lunch hour at school. Some meal suggestions include whole wheat toast with jam, fruit salad, or whole grain cereal with skim milk.
Step 4
Encourage the teen to eat five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Instead of high-calorie snacks, stock the fridge with apples, pears, bananas, carrot sticks, celery and peaches.
Step 5
Prepare a low-calorie dinner for the entire family. Don't make the teenager the only one eating low-fat foods. Eat dinner as a family and prepare foods like grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, fish, whole grain pasta with tomato sauce, mixed greens and turkey breast.
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