Weight Loss Tips for Teenagers

In this day and age of TV and video games, and where socializing with friends is more likely to mean social networking on the likes of Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and other popular online platforms, the sad reality is that more and more teens are becoming overweight and obese. In fact we are heading for an epidemic that is putting serious strain on the medical resources and the life expectancy of many young adults. All of which is no surprise, given the state of the average teenager’s diet, combined with the above mentioned lifestyle trend.

Weight Loss Tips for Teenagers

So, finding a good free weight loss program for teens is more important than ever before. However, not all weight loss plans are created equal. An effective weight loss program suitable for teenagers, has to be one that does not exploit or set unrealistic goals. Instead it should take the growing and changing body and mind of the teenager into account.

Without a doubt, any free weight loss program for teens should start with the basics. Take a close look at what the teenager is eating on a regular basis and how much physical activity the teenager is doing.

Diet Tips for Teens

As already stated, many teenagers do not have the healthiest of diets. Many of them live on nothing more than convenient junk food. If this is the case, then the first thing that has to go is the junk food diet. The more junk food that can be cut out of the diet, the more weight is likely to be lost.

A diet made up of fresh fruits and vegetables would be preferable. This might not sound as interesting as a diet of pizza, fries and hamburgers, but the more fruit and vegetables that are eaten, the better the teenager’s all round weight management and health will be. Does this mean no more pizza ever? Well no, it just means that pizza, and various other junk foods, should be eaten sparingly and not as the norm.

Exercise

The next step is to make sure that the teenager is getting plenty of regular exercise. This means getting the heart and lungs pumping at least three or four times per week for a minimum of twenty minutes at a time. What’s important here though, is that the teen chooses a sport or activity that they actually enjoy. Nobody should be forced to do a specific sport against their will, as this will just cause them to lose interest, and give up. If they don’t enjoy running or playing ball sports, rather concentrate on finding a sport that they are good at and do enjoy. Even going for a vigorous walk a few times a week is better than no exercise at all.

Be Realistic

Most importantly though, any weight loss plan for teens should be realistic and not set the teenager up for failure. Repeated failures are demoralizing and can result in more weight gain. Small steps and steady progress is the best way to achieve lasting weight loss and overall health improvement.

Over to you now… do you have any other tips or advice for teenagers to lose weight? Share your ideas in the comments below.

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