Teen Weight Loss
Some people eat to live while some people live to eat. Teenage obesity is a dangerous and growing problem which can only be countered by adopting healthy habits that can last a lifetime.
Side effects of obesity :
Obesity is accompanied with lifelong health risks such as high blood pressure and diabetes. The social and emotional fallout of being overweight can be devastating for a teenager. Attempting weight loss and having poor results can lead to frustration. When it is with reference to teenage girls, weight and body image can be delicate issues. The right weight for one person might not be the right weight for another.
Losing weight :
Focus on practicing the behaviors that promote a healthy weight should be encouraged. Try keeping away from fad diets which may make the growing teen void of iron, calcium and other essential nutrients. Weight-loss pills and other quick fixes are not the ultimate cure for obesity. A permanent change in habits is necessary or else any lost weight is likely to return.
Teens need about 60 minutes of physical activity a day and the activity need not be at a stretch because shorter, repeated bursts of activity during the day can help burn calories, too. Thus any physical activity counts. Team sports through school or community programs are great ways to get active.
For remaining active the teen does not need to an athlete or be a participant in any sports. In these sorts of cases the teen should be encouraged to walk, bike or in-line skate to school, or to walk a few laps through the halls before class. Shooting baskets in the driveway, jumping rope or walking the dog are also a good activity. Household chores such as vacuuming and washing the car have aerobic benefits.
A nutritious breakfast can boost up a teen's metabolism and give him or her energy to face the day ahead. This can also keep the teen from eating too much during the rest of the day. Suggest last night's leftovers if the teen resists high-fiber cereal or whole-wheat toast.
Even a piece of string cheese or a small handful of nuts and a piece or two of fruit can serve the purpose. Encourage replacement of even one bag of chips a day with a healthier option from home such as Frozen grapes, Oranges, strawberries or other fresh fruit, Sliced red, orange or yellow peppers, Cherry tomatoes, Baby carrots, Low-fat yogurt or pudding, Pretzels, Graham crackers, and String cheese.
A teen should stop eating when he or she is full. Replacing soda and other sugary drinks with drinking water may spare your teen hundreds of calories and a day's worth of sugar — or even more. Allow occasional treats and let the teen know that he or she is in control.
Have a positive attitude towards Goal Setting and help the teen to learn healthy ways to express his or her feelings, such as writing in a journal. Try going to a teen weight loss camp. Hypnosis is another well known method and very effective way to change the eating behavior.
It is better to consult your family doctor to seek help setting realistic goals for body mass index and weight based on the subject’s age, height and general health.