| At an age where being accepted by your peers | | | | of them. Anything that you can do to empower your |
| reflects your self-esteem and your ability to make | | | | child will help them resist that emotional torment and |
| friends easily, it can be all too tempting to compare | | | | give them the strength to lose weight. Your |
| yourselves to others, including unrealistic media images | | | | acceptance is critical, so be positive and show |
| of stick-thin celebrities. Photographed from every angle | | | | unconditional love. |
| and scrutinized over every pound they gain, the | | | | Rail-thin is NOT the norm |
| pressure to be thin in Hollywood has taken its toll on | | | | Downplay the unrealistic images they have of the |
| many a celebrity, even the most secure. Unfortunately, | | | | perfect body and help them resist being lured into |
| these expectations trickle down to the rest of us, | | | | those attributes. Build on their strengths and assets, |
| particularly teens, who are dialed into who is worth | | | | and remind them that there is no such thing as the |
| looking up to and who is really not. | | | | perfect body, or weight; and that what works for one, |
| Being an overweight teen bears a heavy burden and | | | | may not work for another of different height or build. |
| can be mentally devastating. With the taunting, name | | | | Promote a healthy lifestyle |
| calling, and social isolation; often comes the emotional | | | | Make healthy weight loss a family affair. Have your |
| anguish from years of ridicule and nicknames. Although | | | | teen help you make a healthy food list for the family, |
| being overweight doesn't always lead to a lifetime of | | | | rather than a list singling them out. If you want your kids |
| low self-esteem, the risk of depression and poor | | | | to become more active, then practice what you |
| self-image certainly makes teenage obesity a more | | | | preach and lead the way. Become active as a family |
| serious problem. | | | | and go on weekly outings such as, exercising at the |
| There is no more of a magic potion for teen weight | | | | gym, biking, or long walks. |
| loss, than there is for adults, but there are some simple | | | | Encourage breakfast |
| steps that you as a parent can take to help guide your | | | | A nutritious breakfast can make all the difference in |
| teen to success: | | | | jump-starting your teen's metabolism and giving them |
| Be a good role model | | | | the boost of energy they need for the rest of the day. |
| Teens need parents to serve as good role models - | | | | It may also help keep them from overeating later on. |
| who can be supportive and provide healthy home | | | | (This may be a bit of a challenge since most |
| environments for them. When you, yourself succeed | | | | teenagers enjoy their sleep!) |
| at weight loss, your children are more likely to follow | | | | Healthy snacking |
| suit. By demonstrating your own commitment, your | | | | It's not easy making healthy choices as a teenager, |
| child has a better chance of success. If you are | | | | especially with all the temptation outside the home, but |
| overweight, your teen is going to have a hard time | | | | parents can help by having healthier grab-and-go |
| losing. | | | | options on hand. Fresh fruit, yogurt, string cheese, |
| Be supportive and understanding | | | | raisins, almonds (a handful), and fresh fruit sorbet pops |
| If your teen is overweight, believe me, they are aware | | | | are some healthy and tasty options. |
| of it and are experiencing firsthand the emotional and | | | | Smaller servings |
| social fallout. They don't need their parents to nag, | | | | Encourage your teen to stop eating when they feel full. |
| criticize or guilt them into losing weight. Comments like | | | | Let them know that wrapping up leftovers is nothing to |
| "don't you think you've had enough" or "do you really | | | | feel ashamed of, nor splitting a meal. Serve meals on |
| need that second serving" are only going to backfire | | | | smaller plates, so your teen becomes accustomed to |
| and they'll resent you for it. Give them some space, | | | | smaller servings. |
| but let them know you are there for them and willing | | | | Let your teen be in control |
| to help them take control of their problem. Offer your | | | | Your teen is the one with the issue, so let them decide |
| support in helping them make the right decisions. Talk | | | | when they are ready to lose weight, what they will eat, |
| to them as a friend would, rather than as a parent. | | | | and how much they will exercise. |
| Be positive | | | | Parents need to talk less and do more, by taking the |
| Listen to your teen's concerns and don't belittle their | | | | focus off the weight issue, and concentrating more on |
| problem. If they express an interest in losing weight, | | | | a healthy lifestyle. The success of your teen depends |
| then praise them for their decision and help support | | | | on your ability to provide the right home environment |
| them in finding solutions. Let them know on a daily | | | | that supports healthy eating habits, physical activity and |
| basis, how well they are doing and that you are proud | | | | well-being. |