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Teen
Weight Loss
How
Parents can Help with Teen Weight Loss
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Losing
weight for anyone can be a struggle, but is especially difficult as a
teen. Teenagers are still going through many changes, both
physical and mental.
Peer pressure is extremely high for kids
this age, and for overweight teens, the pressure to fit in is even
greater.
Overweight teens must cope with teasing,
isolation, verbal abuse and low self esteem, just to name a few
challenges. |
They face these challenges each day in addition to worrying about their
teen
weight loss challenges. "Kids who are overweight have a
quality of life similar to kids with chronic diseases like cancer,"
says Kerri Boutelle, PhD, LP, an adolescence and obesity expert at the
University of Minnesota.
Just like anyone trying to lose weight,
support is a critical factor in their success. Teenagers need
a
support system as well which needs to include supportive
parents.
As a parent, here are some tips you can use to help your teen lose
weight.
Tips
for Parents on
Teen Weight Loss
Be Supportive
Sit down with your teen and have an
open and
honest discussion around their weight. Let them
know that it is up to them to take the necessary steps for
their
teen weight loss, but that you are there to support them in anyway you
can.
Let them know you are there for advice and guidance when needed so that
together you can make healthier choices that can last a lifetime.
Act
as a Role
Model
Help
your teen lose weight by setting the tone and example. Make
your
meal plans a healthier choice by selecting leaner meats, include salads
and fruits and reduce the fried and fatty foods. You may
already
be providing these healthy meals and acting as a role model.
If
so, keep it up and encourage your teen to join you each night for these
healthy family dinners.
Discuss
Realistic Weight Goals
Self
esteem and self image can be difficult to discuss for both
you and your
teen. Many people measure themselves against unrealistic
measures. Talk with your teen and let them know that there is
no
one size that fits all. One person’s body structure and
weight may not
be the right weight for someone else. We all come in
different
sizes and shapes, making each one of us unique and
individual.
Instead
of focusing on a specific weight or clothing size, focus on working
towards a healthy weight that fits their body structure.
Their
goal should be to get within the normal BMI range and not try to get to
the very low end of what some call an ideal weight. Making
healthier choices in foods and activity is where the focus should be to
achieve their teen weight loss.
Encourage
Lifestyle Changes
Many
teens are looking for a quick weight loss or an easy weight loss for
teens. These methods don’t work for anyone and can be
especially
dangerous for teens since they are still growing and changing.
Getting the right amount of calories and nutrients is critical for
teenagers in order to have a successful weight loss for teens.
Let
them know that they have their whole life ahead of them and that
building the proper healthy eating habits and exercise routines now
will help them maintain their weight for life.
Even as adults, we
are always looking for a quick weight loss, but we know it’s not the
healthy way. Tell your teens that anything worth doing is
worth
doing right. |
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Talk
About
Being Active
As you can tell from the
name of this website, I truly believe in getting active in order to
lose weight. Teens should get about 60 minutes of physical
activity a day. This can be done through sports, gym class,
community programs or general household chores and yard work.
If
your child is not athletic or does not like sports, encourage walking
around the neighborhood. Instead of driving them to their
friends
house a few blocks away, suggest they walk there to get a bit more
active provided it is a safe walk.
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Create
family activities that
can be done together like riding bikes, going swimming, playing
basketball in the driveway or the park.
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Once they start to
become
more active, then encourage them to try and set aside 30 minutes a day
for a structured aerobic or strength training exercise. This
will
help build a lifestyle change which will help them keep the weight off
for good.
Back to Teen
Weight Loss
Related
Articles
Quick Weight Loss Tips for Teens
If you want to help your teen get a jump start on their weight loss the
healthy way, then check out these tips.
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