Weight Loss

Tips on Weight Loss for Teens

Its never easy during teenager years, especially if you are overweight. Prior to starting any weight loss program, is consult a doctor or dietitian to determine if your teen is indeed overweight or if he/she needs to lose weight fast. If a teen is really overweight, then moral and emotional support is one of the basic things needed to overcome their weight problems. The problem has actually escalted during the past 10 years with rising obesity rates among teenagers and this is espcially a sensitive topic for many.

Just remember that weight loss and weight management is a long-term process and involves not just the person who is trying to lose weight. It also involves the people who prepare his/her food, as well as many other factors. Teens that have the support of their families show better results in weight reduction programs that those teens that try to lose weight on their own. There are no quick fixes and if someone is promoting such a program, then you really need to do your research. Slow, safe and effective weight loss programs are the way to go.

Did you know recent medical studies recommend losing not more than two pounds per week? Weight loss can be accomplished through a combination of programs, including exercise and decreased calorie intake. Make sure to get into a program that helps you lose weight the right way. Just Google weight loss and see all the available information. There are many great resources available, but you just need to do be careful.

I personally always recommend you check with your doctor because the medical community warns that it is unsafe to lose more than 2% of your body weight in a period of 24-48 hours. The results would be a decrease in aerobic performance and endurance. Meanwhile, losing more than 5% of your body weight in three to four days will have detrimental effects on your power, muscle endurance and strength, aerobic performances and even mental concentration. Take the necessary pre-cautions.

In addition to exercise, you need to compliment this increased activity with the right diet. Avoid drinks that are high in calories like sodas, high-sugar juices, and other drinks. Stay away from low calorie drinks that are sweetened with sugar substitutes such as aspartame. These products have been proven to have serious detrimental effects over the long term. Make sure that you drink lots of water and fruit juices that do not have added sugar. This will help you stay away from those sodas.

More often than not, we all tend to go back to our normal ways quickly if changes are introduced drastically. That’s why it is better to move forward gradually rather than leaping two to three steps forward and finding yourself five steps back after a few weeks. It took awhile for the weight gain, then its going to take awhile to lose it as well.

One great tip to reduce your food intake is to stop eating when you’re already full. Avoid eating when you’re emotionally unstable. This happens a lot, especially in teens with constant body changes.

Have you ever noticed that people tend to eat because they are bored, lonely, or stressed and this is despite the fact that they are already full. Eat slowly since it will take about 20 minutes before your brain recognizes the amount of food in your stomach. A good strategy here is to put down your fork or spoon after each mouthful. Eat slowly, and take the time to really enjoy what you eat. It’s probably one of the few times during the day to relax with your family and enjoy some quality time together.

Be sure to eat lots of fruits and vegetables. As much as possible,
replace your junk food intake with fruits or vegetables. Not only will you lose weight, but it will keep your heart and body healthy. Also, don’t replace food groups or avoid eating them in your attempt at weight loss.

Just getting through your young adult years can be challenging enough. The problem is compounded in my opinion if you are overweight as a teenager. One thing to help you, avoid such forms of diets since your body still needs the nutrients for growth and development. It is better to go about losing weight the more natural way. It will create discipline and is more sustainable in the long run. Eat properly, get lots of rest and get some exercise each if possible. Even 20 to 30 minutes a day can make all the difference and perhaps avoid you having to go onto a strict weight loss program.

Bill Brine