Safe weight loss programs for teenage obesity

December 2. 2021

Obesity is a serious health issue. Throughout the years, we have seen an increase in obesity among people of all ages, especially among teenagers. Excess weight affects not just mental health but can cause a lot of health problems, lifetime-wise, such as:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Liver disease
• Risk of social and physical problems, and many more
  

If overweight occurs in the teen years, it is very likely to be more severe in adulthood. That is the main reason why teenagers with excess weight have to step up and initiate changes for the sake of their adulthood. There are numerous tips teenagers can implement in their everyday lives to make a healthy change, but in case none of them show results, they can certainly benefit from joining teenage weight loss programs.

The past year, influenced by Coronavirus, caused us all to stay at home, have a lack of motivation to work out, eat healthily, and in general, just move our bodies.
The hardest part of any journey is the start. Being this time of the year, the start can be setting New Year resolutions. It is very important to set realistic goals and acknowledge that even the slightest change in everyday habits can make an enormous change lifetime-wise.

A Few Tips To Get Started

As we said, it is never easy to get started. Teenagers with excess weight should follow a few healthy tips and habits to start their weight loss journey, such as:

Get enough sleep

Sleep is one of the essentials for maintaining a healthy body. Experts recommend that teenagers get 9-10 hours of sleep per day. If you have some trouble falling asleep, try avoiding screen time at least 30 minutes before going to bed.

Don’t skip meals

It may seem that skipping meals can help with losing weight, but it can actually cause new problems, such as having a bigger urge to eat and snack due to hunger. Teens should make eating balanced meals a priority. One of the most effective ways to maintain fueling a body with healthy foods is by following meal prep tips. Meal prepping makes it easier to include vegetables, fruits, and nutritious foods into teens’ diets. Having some meals planned a few days beforehand can lower the chances of buying fast food, pastry, and all sorts of unhealthy foods. Another great advantage of meal prep is its impact on the budget. One more benefit teenagers look forward to – saving some money.

Add in physical activity

Physical activity doesn’t have to include going to the gym nor high-intensity workouts. It can include walking 30 minutes per day or taking the stairs even when there are other options, such as an elevator or an escalator. Physical activity has an impact on mental health and reduces stress, which influences weight loss.
And remember, go easy on yourself, especially if you haven’t been physically active for a while. Start with a few minutes per day, and gradually add in activities. As said previously, even the smallest changes in everyday habits can make a big difference later on.

Stay hydrated

It is well known that drinking enough water is critical for overall health. Drinking water can also regulate appetite and decrease the urge to snack, as well as decrease the urge to drink sugary beverages. It also impacts metabolism and gut health, which has a direct impact on losing weight.

Practice mindful eating

Developing a better relationship with food, enjoying meals, eating slower, and just having a ritual of your own will make you think more about your next meal and help you make less impulsive food choices.

If these tips aren’t enough to make a difference, outside help should be considered, such as teenage weight loss programs and many types of expert support.

As someone in that age range, it is very important to have someone to talk to, who will understand you, who will not judge you, who will not compare you to others, and who will listen to what you like and choose a weight loss program that is suitable for teenagers.

Expert Support

Start by talking to a doctor, a nutritionist, a dietitian, a nutrition coach, or another expert in teenage obesity. If you’ve ever wondered what is a nutrition coach and how it differs from a nutritionist, let us give you a brief explanation. 

There are a few similarities between a nutrition coach and a nutritionist. Their purpose is the same, but their jobs aren’t. A nutrition coach is an advisor and a supporter during a patient’s weight loss journey. Not only does he give nutrition advice to his patients, but he also symbolizes motivation, encouragement, and friendship.

Talking to a therapist can also make an impact on weight loss because a lot of obese teenagers struggle with depression.

Teenage weight loss programs

• Pediatric weight management centers – this program is similar to programs run by experts mentioned above, meaning they include meal planning and weighing regularly. 
• Camps or schools – they are teenage weight loss programs that not only help them lose weight but teach them life changes and behavior they have to implement in their daily routine.
  

Other options

If none of the previous steps showed results, consider some other treatment options:

• Medication
  It is very important to talk to a professional about taking weight-loss medicines and be aware of the risks they may cause.

• Surgery
  The surgery itself can make a great change to teenagers who struggle to lose weight any other way, but on its own, it won’t cure obesity; changes in daily habits are a must.

Final thoughts

Nevertheless, it is essential to inform teenagers and give rational and healthy solutions and options for weight loss that nourish their growing bodies. It is also very important to teach them not to COMPARE themselves to others and that EVERYONE has a different body type. They should only focus on themselves and their individual results.

If you are willing to start a weight loss program and looking for professional help, you can find all the help you need at our weight loss clinic. Feel free to visit or contact us – we are ready when you are.

Author

Nurse Walton

Born and raised in Chicago, IL, Chanay received her Practical Nurse licensure and went to work in clinical specialties such as Home Health, Assisted Living, Long-Term Care and Dialysis Centers. Through this work, she realized the importance of diet, nutrition and weight loss among her patients. This led her to open A Better Weigh, Inc. Medical Weight Loss Center in 2009.