In the United States, one of the most dangerous and growing problems facing teenagers is obesity. While weight loss for teens will not take place right away, parents can do their part by encouraging them to practice healthy eating lifestyle.

Obesity comes with various medical complications such as high blood pressure and diabetes. The social and emotional stigma associated with it can be detrimental to the teenager. Attempting to lose weight can be disappointing especially when there are poor results. During this time, parents can offer support and gentle understanding as well as express their willingness to help their child overcome obesity.

Teenage girls can be particularly sensitive to their weight and body image. As a parent, it is your job to make them see that there is no such thing as a perfect body and ideal weight. What may be considered as right weight for one person might not be applicable to another.

Encourage your child to set their mind on adopting behaviors that would lead to a healthy weight. You can work hand in hand with your family doctor in setting realistic goals for body mass index and weight depending on the age, height, and general health condition of your child.
In addition, you should make your child understand that reducing their weight is a lifetime commitment. Fad diets lack iron, calcium, and other essential nutrients. Likewise, taking weight reduction pills will not help solve the cause of the problem. Often their effects are short-term without any change in their lifestyle.

As in the case of adults, teenagers require at least an hour of physical activity daily. However, this does not mean that they have to undergo 60 minutes of stretching or physical exercise.
Taking short and repeated bursts of exercise will be helpful in shedding off those unwanted calories.

Moreover, participating in team sports through the school or community is also an excellent way to encourage physical activity. If your child is not an athlete or having second thoughts participating in certain sports, you can encourage them to take a walk or ride a bike can help shed off excess fat.

Shooting hoops in the driveway, jumping rope, or walking the dog can also help reduce excess calories. Vacuuming and washing the car can likewise offer aerobic benefits.

Encouraging your child to wake up early to eat their breakfast can be difficult but important. Serving a healthy breakfast can kick off their metabolism and provide the energy they need for the day. It will also help them from consuming too much food during the entire day.

If your child avoids high-fiber cereals or whole wheat toast, you can serve the previous nights leftovers instead. Serving one string cheese or a few servings of nuts or a couple of fruits can be healthy.

Making your child eat a healthy meal can be challenging in the light of vending machines lining up their school halls. Encourage your child to substitute a bag of chips with any of the following healthier alternative can be helpful:

* A slice of red, orange, or yellow peppers
* Frozen grapes
* Strawberries, oranges, and other varieties of fresh fruits
* Cherry tomatoes
* String cheese
* Low-fat yogurt or pudding
* Graham crackers
* Pretzels

Encouraging weight loss in your teenage child requires you to work hand in hand with your child on a daily basis. Being there for them can go a long way in their road to a healthy lifestyle.