Weight Loss Tips for Teens

It is important to note up front that weight loss may not be necessary or desirable. Many young people have a certain amount of “baby fat” that they outgrow. Teens’ bodies are changing constantly, and what you look like at 14 may be very different from what you look like at 18. And there are some teens who want to lose weight because of the people they see in magazines and movies. Often it’s the “popular” kids at school that take their standards from the fashion magazines, providing more peer pressure. But there do exist teens who really do have extra weight that they need to use. For those individuals, there are many things they can do to encourage steady weight loss.

1. Cut down on simple sugars. For many years, people thought that candies and cookies weren’t all that bad because they didn’t have a lot of fat in them. But the sugar itself leads to insulin surges and a sugar “high” followed by a sugar “crash.” Simple sugars are also very easy for the body to convert into fat. If you forbid yourself all sweets, you’ll grow resentful and could binge. Just cut back, and substitute some of those sweets with fresh fruit.

2. Excercise at home. Sure, you’re slammed with homework, and you may not have the money or time to join a gym. But anyone can take 15 minutes to exercise with a DVD or by playing Wii Fit if you have the equipment. If your neighborhood is safe, walk. Are there places within walking distance of your home, such as a library? If you have a dog, take her on a walk. She’ll love the attention and the exercise is probably healthy for her too. If you have a high energy pet and a place that is safe, you could try roller skating with your dog. Be sure to wear protective gear if you do, though. The point is, regular activity is the key. You know what the best exercise is? It’s the one you’ll do.

3. Participate in school activities. School sports can be a great way to stay or get fit. If the “big” sports like football, basketball and baseball aren’t you’re thing, many schools have swim teams, bowling teams, and track teams. Even signing up as a help for a sport can get you a certain amount of activity, plus you won’t be consuming sweets while you’re keeping stats and helping the coach.

4. Cut back on fast food. It seems that teens and fast food were made for each other. Growing teens do need a certain calorie level, and fast food is quick and inexpensive. But it shouldn’t be an everyday thing because fast food is high in calories, fats, and sugars.

5. Walk at the shopping mall. You can get a pedometer for a couple of dollars to keep track of how far you’ve walked.

Getting a weight loss buddy to exercise with you, learning to cook healthy foods, and drinking plenty of water are other ways to gradually change over to a healthier lifestyle. Make changes you can live with and you can make a big difference in health and weight.