How Can I Help My Overweight Adolescent Lose Weight?
Adolescent weight gain can be a strain on both the adolescent and their family as you strive for supporting a positive body image as well. In addition, there are so many temptations for poor food choices as well as inactivity that success can seem like an uphill battle.
A few suggestions include:
First, trying to keep processed junk foods out of the house or in a location that requires a second thought prior to eating. If there are minimal or no cookies, cakes, chips or similar foods in the house, your child will be less tempted to eat them.
Second, keep healthier options such as fruit and vegetables washed and readily available for easy consumption.
Third, encourage daily exercise and set a good example. If your child sees you having healthy habits, they are more likely to follow. Encourage sport activities at school and as a family. When stress and a desire for snacking comes up, get out of the house and take a walk together.
Fourth, I would also make sure you encourage your child to eat protein at every meal and offer praise that your child is trying. Protein is essential for a healthy body and is more filling resulting in less snacking.
Fifth, eat healthy meals together at the table. This can really make a difference as you make healthy habits more of a family affair.
Finally, grocery shop together and meal prep together on the weekends. With healthy meals ‘at the ready’, it leaves less guesswork or inclination to grab fast food or other unhealthy choices.
Of course, weight loss will not happen overnight, so it is important be patient and celebrate every small win.
What are common causes of weight gain in adolescents and young adults?
The traditional thinking has been that Overeating and an inactive lifestyle have often thought to contribute to obesity. A diet full of sugary, high-fat, and refined foods can lead to weight gain. So, can a lack of regular exercise. In children, watching TV and sitting at a computer can play a part. We now know obesity is a very complex disease with an interplay of genetics, and environment and we are learning more and more about the causes of obesity daily.
How much weight loss is considered safe for adolescents and young adults?
A healthy amount of weight loss is 0.5 a lb. to 1 lb. a week because we want to sustain the weight loss over time.
What foods are best to help my child lose weight?
Fruits and vegetables, and lean meats and fish like salmon and shrimp. Avocado. There are also different types of diets that help sustain weight loss but the most important thing is to watch portions. Water is also very helpful to help sustain and maintain weight loss.
There are treatments available which include lifestyle intervention and medications if needed.
If you have more questions about weight in your teen and want to help them but don’t know how,
Contact me at 703-940-0635 for an appointment.
