Teenage Weight Loss Tips Reflect Young Lifestyle
Self Respect Tops Realistic Suggestions for Teens Losing Pounds
Aug 30, 2009
The last thing most teenagers want to hear (or read) is another stand on weight loss. Television ads, magazines, parents, doctors, and teachers continually warn overweight teens of heart disease, high blood pressure, type II diabetes, and all the other medical problems that are associated with obesity. As a result of being overweight, teens have to deal with social discrimination, depression, and low self-esteem. Teen weight loss programs are effective only if they take into account the adolescent's growth, ethnic background, active school life, and social lifestyle.
Teenage Obesity is at Epidemic Proportions
Billions of dollars in profits are made from weight loss programs, exercise equipment, weight loss pills, diet books, and weight loss products. The same goes for television series that are dedicated to weight loss and surgical weight loss options. Still, American adults, teenagers, and children continue to put on the pounds.
The website Troubled Teen 101 cites statistics on the teenage obesity problem in the article, "Teen Obesity Statistics" (no author given, 2009) by stating, "Teen obesity has grown to epidemic proportions in the United States. The US Department of Health and Human Services recently published teen obesity statistics regarding this dangerous trend. According to the report, 14% of adolescents in the United States are overweight. This figure has nearly tripled in the last 20 years."
Tips to Help Teens Get Serious About Losing Weight
Parents want to set a good example, but teens are advised to be realistic – don't expect the entire family to change routine eating habits to suit the needs of one person, especially if other family members don't have a weight problem.
- Self respect comes first. The young person staring back in the mirror is a powerful individual that can accomplish anything. Attitude plays a vital role, but wanting to take control over one's self image is a huge step in making positive changes.
- Teenagers have a right to privacy. It isn't necessary to announce one's intent to lose weight. It is advisable, however, to check with a physician if there are any other health concerns that need to be addressed.
- Work out a plan, setting goals and guidelines to follow for healthier eating. Need help? Weight Watchers is one of the oldest and most trusted weight loss programs in existence and there is an online program available for those who can't attend meetings in person. This is not a diet, but is a method for learning to eat healthy with no forbidden foods.
- Do not skip meals and eat plenty of whole grain foods to fight hunger pains. Depriving food is a setup for failure that usually leads to binging later on. Another idea: Instead of 3 meals a day, try 5 or 6. Exercise small portion control.
- Slip ups are going to happen. Get back on track and forge ahead. "Blowing it" at lunch by eating a plateful of fries does not have to ruin an entire day.
- Start a private online journal (example: Live Journal website) and list all foods, drinks, and snacks that are consumed. Add photos of the foods one is about to eat whenever possible. Compare the photos at the end of each week to see the hard truth and to find out where adjustments are needed.
- Work with a buddy if it makes things easier, but be careful. Remember, today's best friend might be tomorrow's worst enemy.
- Fruits and vegetables are part of any healthy diet. There are 100% fruit drinks and vegetable juices on the market for those who prefer them.
- Nintendo Wii games provide all kinds of great ways to work out. Other great weight loss workout routines for teenagers: Walk to school instead of driving or riding the bus. Go for a bike ride. Take a skateboard to the skating park for a few laps, or grab a pair of skates and head for the skating rink. Join a dance class or attend a dance at the local community center. Walk a few hard laps through a mall.
- Replace comfort foods with other indulgences that don't add calories.
- Watching TV and studying are two prime times for snacking. Buy the 100 calorie snack packages of cookies, crackers, or popcorn. Stick to one a day by planning ahead – set a specific time when the snack can be eaten. Don't cheat by eating more than one a day.
- Going out with friends? Before the pizza or burgers, drink at least 8 ounces of water to douse the appetite. Chew sugarless gum during football games or at the movies to avoid cravings for buttered popcorn and corn dogs. Stick to diet soda, or better yet drink water.
Young people want to lose weight to fit in with popular peers and be accepted socially. Don't expect immediate results with any weight loss plans. In an age when people want "instant everything", the time it takes to lose 20, 30, 50 pounds, or more, is going to seem like an eternity.
Avoid the temptation of fast weight loss programs; losing large amounts of weight too quickly isn't healthy and doesn't usually work, and the results will probably be temporary. A weight management program of exercise and healthy eating habits is still the proven method that works for burning fat and calories. As a safety measure, teens losing weight are urged to have their progress monitored by a physician. Teens have unique needs when it comes to weight loss plans, and strategies that work are sensitive to peer pressure and a young person's lifestyle.
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