Fat & Weight Loss

There are many teenagers who have found themselves overweight and out of shape. This is because society encourages them to eat junk food and to play video games all day. Instead we should be encouraging our children to choose the healthy foods over the greasy ones and to go outside and walk, run, or play a sport that they love.

There are many steps that a teenager can take to lose the weight:

•  Before they can lose anything they must have the desire to do it. Without this desire there is no drive or goal for them to reach. Try to sit down with your teenager and explain to them the health problems that they could face in the future if they do not lose it. Explain to them that greasy foods can damage the heart and other areas of the body. Not to mention the weight can keep them from doing some of the things they love.

• Explain to them that losing weight is not going to happen overnight. They need to be patient and understand that it is a lot of hard work and depending on how much they are looking to lose it could take a few months. In order to keep them encouraged about what they are doing have them set small goals. Instead of trying to lose 40 pounds total tell them to start off by losing 5 pounds. When they reach this goal they will be excited and encouraged by what they have accomplished.
• Make sure that your teenager is eating right and not starving themselves. Some teens believe that the quickest way to lose the weight is to eat very little and only eat one to two meals a day. This tactic will make their body cling on to the fat as long as possible making it more difficult to lose the weight. Instead encourage them to eat healthy meals throughout the day. Yet, they can still have a pizza or a few french fries once a week as long as it is in moderation.
• Add daily exercise to their routine. Try getting them a membership to the gym or set up a fun workout program that they will want to stick to. Daily exercise will make them feel more energized and is a great way for them to tone up while they lose. Start off with something small. Maybe for the first week all they need to do is go walking around the neighborhood every day. Over the next few weeks you can add something new for them to do.
• Be their support system. Your teenager is not going to have an easy time losing the weight if they have to rely on themselves. They need you go to when they are discouraged or tempted to over eat. Make sure you give congratulate the when they meet their goals. You could even try exercising with them. After all we all could use a good work out every day.