How to Talk to Your Teen About Losing Weight

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, 14% of adolescents in the United States are obese. Being obese puts these teens at risk for diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. Talking to your teen about losing weight is a delicate subject that requires love, support and a positive attitude on your part. Here are some ways you can converse with your teen about losing weight and gaining a healthy lifestyle.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a variety of healthy foods and snacks
• paper or a notebook for scheduling and journaling

1. Discuss with your teen reasons why she needs to lose weight. Emphasize health over beauty--too many teens are already influenced by the media's fascination with the "perfect" body.

2. Emphasize that he needs to lose the weight for himself, not to please you or anyone else.

3. Reassure her that you love and support her and want to help her as she develops a healthier lifestyle. If appropriate, share your own struggles with losing weight and exercising regularly.

4. Develop an exercise schedule and a menu plan with your teen. Consult a doctor or dietician for ideas. Use a notebook to keep track of exercise routines, menus and to journal thoughts and feelings.

5. Join your teen on his journey to lose weight. Exercise and diet along with him, and provide plenty of healthy food, snacks, and exercise opportunities.

6. Don't discourage your teen if she gives in to temptation. Encourage healthy alternatives to junky and fatty foods. If she does eat that slice of birthday cake, help her recommit to her food and exercise plan.

7. Keep communication open. Talk with your teen about the victories and struggles he's having as he loses weight. Let him know he can come to you at anytime for support.

8. Learn to recognize eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. Make sure your teen is losing weight the healthy way. Talk with your doctor about the signs of an eating disorder, and be diligent in observing your teen's eating habits.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you are always supportive, never punitive. Your teen doesn't need to hear how she messed up on her diet--she needs to hear that she can get back on track. She will appreciate your support and encouragement.

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[cougargal14]

on 10/1/2008 Is there a reason this conversation topic starts with "your teen" and is changed to Her/she? Female teens are not the only ones that need to worry about their weight, or have their weight worried about for them. This is where society norms start.

[CrazyAce]

on 3/21/2008 This talk would be much easier if the parents didn't spend their whole life stuffing their mouths and their kid's faces with Fast Food. DON'T be a fat, lazy parent, and chances are your kids won't be either. God help the stupid parents.