How to Help Your Teen to Lose Weight

It is difficult getting teens to want to be healthy and lose weight. In order to do this, not being critical of them is important. But taking teens to the doctors and forming a plan is crucial. Teenagers have many pressures from other teens. It is a complex time in their lives because of wanting to fit in.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Doctors
• Exercise
• Family and friends support system
• Correct foods

How to help your teen to lose weight

1. The first mission to helping your teen is to take him to the doctors. Finding a good doctor that your teen is comfortable talking to is crucial. Making sure that underlying issues do not exist before embarking on losing the weight is critical.

2. Creating an environment where they do not feel picked on about the weight gain is important. Teens can exercise without feeling like it is a full workout. walking is very good to help them get into shape. Start out with small walks in the mall. Going to places that they love will help them to get active and fit.

3. Make it a family event so that the teen will not feel picked on: changing eating habits, cutting out some of the carbs, encouraging them to drink water. Remember: we all want our bodies to look the absolute best. Teens need to know that you support them in whatever positive choices they make. Happiness while trying to get in shape is a key factor in shedding pounds. Support groups do exist for teens to sit down and talk with others that are in the same position.

4. Losing weight should not be a chore; it is a choice of being healthy. They may never be skinny but they can be in good health. Being healthy is key to averting medical problems down the road. Allow open and honest communication. Buying a teenager a journal in which to write down feelings and emotions is a good idea.
   If they choose not to go to a gym try fun dance videos which will allow them to work off a few pounds while having fun. Gaining and losing weight is a battle and you must prepare them that it will not happen overnight. Keep the scale out of the equation can be helpful, you want to encourage not discourage the weight loss process. The most difficult thing is to get on a scale and not see weight loss.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to support them in trying to lose weight.
• Getting them active is key to helping them succeed.
• Let them know that they are wonderful no matter what.
• Please take them to the doctor as soon as possible.
• If you sense depression or over eating a support group may be needed.
• Helping to build up self-esteem is critical no matter what size they are.

[luv2blog]

on 8/7/2008 Nicely written. Thanks.