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