Teen weight loss is a very touchy subject, both for the teen and the parents. It's hard to be a teen, and if she is an overweight teen, she can have more problems than the average teen. She may be dealing with low self image, depression, being socially isolated, and even health issues from being overweight.
A teenager who needs to lose weight needs support from her parents. This could be part of the problem: if her parents are overweight or obese and have sedentary lifestyles. She has not been taught anything different and its hard to get out of that pattern) She needs to know that her parents are willing to help; in staying motivated, in educating themselves in proper nutrition, and are willing to participate actively in the weight loss process.
Everyone, including thin teens, has something they don't like about their looks - even supermodels. Parents can help their teen understand this through discussion and example. When a teen questions their body image during these tumultuous years, there is now help out there for them. Parents need to research for them on their behalf and help separate truth from fiction and guide their teen in the right direction.
Being a good role model means the grownups in the household need to eat the way they want the teen to eat. If the adult consumes pizza, chips, and soda, the teen will too. If the adult chooses fresh fruit and healthy snacks, and stocks the fridge with acceptable beverages, then the teen may be more willing to follow the same path.
Keeping junk food out of the house and preparing healthy food in flavorable ways for all family members goes a long way in helping out a teenager who wants to lose weight. And keep in mind, moderation is the key. Deprivation is the most fattening food anyone can have, teen or not.
A parent needs to keep reinforcing healthy weight loss choices. The more the teen hears it, the better. There is no quick fix and starvation diets or laxatives can lead to health problems.
Adults who are active often have kids who are active. If you are not active and you have an overweight teen, perhaps you can do something together. You could go along to the gym, go for bike rides together, or challenge each other in games of our choice. Try to limit the amount of time for inactive activities like TV and computer - and all will benefit, not just the teen.
Teenagers will most likely need some help coming up with a plan for weight loss. Parents can make arrangements for a consultation with a nutritionist, if needed, to show them both what a healthy diet should look like. Take advantage of your health insurance if you have it and schedule a wellness visit with your primary doctor. Let them know you are coming in for weight loss counseling so they can be prepared.
Being part of a support group can really help a teen get the weight loss advice they are looking for. There are online support groups that might be easier for teens to join,as they can remain as anonymous. Parents can check out several prior to recommending them to their teen.
It's important to remember that losing weight is a decision that the teenager has to make, not the parent. Teens naturally rebel against parental suggestions. So suggesting that she needs to lose weight, no matter how it is said, will probably backfire. And it is sure to hurt her feelings. She needs positive feedback from home, not negative.
When she's ready, the parent's role is to be positive and supportive, and to model good exercise and eating habits. That is the winning formula.
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