Teenage obesity has now become a widespread problem. Like any weight-loss challenge, there is no magic bullet. Still, there is plenty we as parents can do to help. Encouragement is a great place to start. Instilling healthy habits can last a lifetime.
If your teen is overweight, he or she is probably just as concerned about it as you are. Aside from lifelong health risks such as diabetes and hypertension, the emotional effect can be equally if not more devastating for a teen.
It can also be frustrating and discouraging to attempt weight loss and have poor results. As parents we need to offer support, gentle understanding, willingness to help and give as much knowledge and guidance as we have to offer.
Body image can be a delicate issues, especially for teenage girls. When it comes to teen weight loss, remind your teen that there’s no single ideal weight and no perfect body. Each of us has a different frame, structure and body type so the right weight for one person may not be the right weight for another.
Rather than talking about fat verses thin, encourage your teen to focus on the behaviors that promote a healthy weight for their body size and shape.
Help your teen understand that losing weight and keeping it off is a lifelong commitment. Instilling healthy habits that your teen can carry on with them will be essential to their long-term success.
Fad diets, weight-loss pills and other quick fixes don’t address the root of the problem and pose risks of their own. Even then, the effects are almost always short-lived at best. Without a permanent change in habits, any lost weight is likely to return and then some.
It is up to us as parents to help guide our teens to living life healthy, happy and vibrant. Leading by example is the best way to accomplish this.
