In today’s hypercritical world, it seems that nobody is comfortable with his or her weight. Kids, and young girls especially, are bombarded by images of rail-thin models who appear to represent the norm. Celebrities appear to lose weight effortlessly and are able to keep it off easily.

In reality, maintaining a healthy weight is difficult. Most of us don’t have the exceptionally fast metabolisms that supermodels come by naturally (through genetics). Fast food and desserts are temptations that most of us indulge in far too often. And many adolescents are not active outside and spend much of their time on sedentary activities like watching television.

For those of us who do aspire to lose weight, it is never a fun task. In fact, it pretty much sucks. Many of us try unsuccessfully to diet our way to a healthy weight. However, it is not a futile endeavor. It is possible to lose weight at a healthy pace and keep it off. Often, it takes more than one attempt. But do not get discouraged if you don’t lose weight the first time you try. Every body is different, and each body responds uniquely to different foods. If you are serious about losing weight, you will find a health regime that works for you. In the end, it is worth the effort. Once you shed those excess pounds, you will feel happier, healthier and more energized.

We have created this page to help you achieve your goal. Before you begin, make sure you meet the criteria listed below.

1. You truly need to lose weight. Many youth have a negative self-image and think they should lose weight when really they are at a healthy weight. Bad body image can lead to anorexia, bulimia or other eating disorders that are very unhealthy.


2. You are committed to this goal. You must be willing to change your eating and exercise habits (at least slightly) for an extended period of time (Are you ready to take that step? [jump to section on this page]).
Below is additional information about teens and weight loss. If you have any other questions, you can always talk to your primary care physician. Good luck!
• Myths about Teen Weight Loss
• 10 Things Teens Wish Parents Knew About Weight Loss
• Are You Ready to Take That Step?
• Additional Resources

Myths about Teen Weight Loss


Weight Loss Confidential by Anne M. Fletcher, M.S., R.D., (referred to as WLC below) challenges the prevailing thinking on teen weight loss, including many beliefs commonly help by professionals in the field.

Misconception: Teens who diet invariably fall prey to fads and have unhealthy eating habits.

WLC: The more than 100 teens that Fletcher interviewed lost a significant amount of weight without going to extremes: Their average weight loss was 58 pounds, and three-fourths of the teens lost 30 pounds or more. Many said they followed diets, but they were healthy diets.

Misconception: Teens who have tried and failed at losing weight many times before don’t succeed.

WLC: Seven out of 10 teens lost and gained weight multiple times before finally succeeding.

Misconception: The methods used by adults to lose weight are inappropriate for teens.

WLC: A number of experts steer teens away from counting fat grams and calories, keeping food records and working out, believing these things might lead to an unhealthy obsession with weight and food. Many of the teens Fletcher interviewed used these techniques, and their attitudes about weight and food are healthy.

Misconception: Teens are rebellious by nature, so efforts to help them will backfire.

WLC: A strong majority of the teens indicated their families’ support was important to their success.

Misconception: Overweight teens from overweight families are unlikely to overcome the odds and lose weight.

WLC: Most of the teens said at least one parent was overweight.

Misconception: Teens who have been overweight since they were very young don’t have much hope of losing weight permanently.

WLC: On average, teens reported becoming overweight at approximately 9 years of age.

From Weight Loss Confidential: How Teens Lose Weight and Keep it Off – and What They Wish Parents Knew. Copyright (c) 2007 by Anne M. Fletcher. Reprinted by permission of Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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10 Things Teens Wish Parents Knew About Weight Loss

from Weight Loss Confidential by Anne M. Fletcher, M.S., R.D.

1. “Don’t tell me my weight is OK.” If your teen is overweight and says he or she wants to slim down, listen to his or her concerns and offer to help find some solutions. Don’t minimize the problem.

2. “Get off my back.” Don’t nag, preach, criticize or try to coerce your teen into losing weight. Talk to your teen like a friend –- not a disciplinarian.

3. “Let me be in charge.” It’s up to the teen to decide if, how and when he or she wants to lose weight.

4. “Don’t be a food cop.” Comments like “you’ve had enough” and “you don’t need that bowl of ice cream” will backfire.

5. “Be there when I’m ready.” Support your teen’s choices and praise his or her efforts. Help find affordable ways to exercise or a program your teen would like to attend. Be a role model for healthy eating and exercise.

6. “Help me out; don’t single me out.” Create a healthy home food climate for the entire family, not just the overweight teen. Provide kids with healthy, appealing food choices without making them feel deprived.

7. “Love me no matter what.” Let your teen know he or she is loved whatever his or her weight and whether or not he or she succeeds at slimming down.

8. “Be patient.” Understand that losing weight takes time, effort, patience and often multiple attempts.

9. “Help me be realistic.” After losing weight, your teen may not be thin, but she’ll be healthier and happier.

10. “Believe in me.” Send the message that you know your teen can succeed and that you’ll be there if he needs you.

From Weight Loss Confidential: How Teens Lose Weight and Keep it Off – and What They Wish Parents Knew. Copyright (c) 2007 by Anne M. Fletcher. Reprinted by permission of Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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Are You Ready to Take That Step?


Here are some questions teens can ask themselves to see whether they are ready to take steps to lose weight.

How would you answer the following questions: Very | Sort of | Not Very



3. How concerned am I about my weight?
   
   
4. How much do I want to do something about my weight right now?
   
   
5. How confident am I that I can do something about my weight?
   
   
6. Do I think I can do something about the things that are getting in my way?
   
   
7. How ready am I to change my eating habits?
   
   
8. Is my family ready to support me in my efforts?
   
   Key: The more answers you choose that begin with “very,” the more likely you are ready to turn things around.
   
   From Weight Loss Confidential: How Teens Lose Weight and Keep it Off – and What They Wish Parents Knew. Copyright (c) 2007 by Anne M. Fletcher. Reprinted by permission of Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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   Additional Resources

   
   Healthy Weight, HealthWise KnowledgeBase. Accessed August 2007.
   
   Weight Loss and Obesity, HealthWise KnowledgeBase. Accessed August 2007.
   
   Weight Loss Confidential: Book Review, Healthline: Teen Health 411. Accessed August 2007.
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