How to Support Your Obese Teen's Physical and Emotional Health

Many people consider being overweight a problem almost solely affecting adults, and for a long time, that was true. But that’s changed; today, about 20% of kids and teens are obese.

As it does in adults, obesity in teens poses considerable health risks and can also take a toll on their self-esteem. Supporting your teen through these challenges isn’t always easy, but with support from your teen’s healthcare team, you can help your child live a healthier, happier life.

At Premier Physicians Weight Loss & Wellness in Las Vegas, Henderson, and Reno, Nevada, Dana Trippi, DO, and her team offer adolescent weight management programs tailored to the unique needs of teens who are overweight. 

Here, learn how you can support your teen as they navigate these challenges to improve their future.

Make it easy to eat healthy

Forget about restrictive dieting, and don’t nag your teen about their dietary habits. Instead, make it easier to follow healthy eating patterns by only stocking healthy, ready-to-eat snacks like cut-up fruits or vegetables with low-fat yogurt dips. 

Involve your teen in planning healthy meals featuring vegetables, salads, fresh fruit, lean protein, and low-fat dairy. Ask your teen to look for healthy and appealing recipes online so they feel in control of their eating choices. 

Set aside specific mealtimes, and don’t eat meals in front of the TV, computer, or phone. Help your teen learn to practice mindful eating, making it easier to recognize that they’re full.

Make exercise a family affair

With weight management and overall wellness, physical activity is as important as healthy eating. But as with dieting, exercise can often seem more like a punishment than something to look forward to.

You can help change that by being active as a family, taking walks, hiking at a local park, biking, geocaching, or dancing to YouTube videos. Help your teen choose activities they can enjoy on their own, like yoga, skating, or swimming. Aim for 30-60 minutes of physical activity each day.

Listen without judgment

Kids who are overweight or obese face challenges that affect their confidence and peer relationships. Make sure your teen knows you’re there to listen to their concerns and worries without judgment. 

Provide your child with plenty of positive feedback and encouragement. Validate their emotions and avoid making negative comments about their weight or attempts to manage their weight or health.

Help your teen adopt healthy habits

Eating healthy and getting plenty of exercise are habits you can help your teen develop. But managing weight and health requires other habits.

Make sure your teen gets at least 7-9 hours of sleep every night to help improve their mood and even make it easier to manage their weight. Sleep can also help offset stress that leads to overeating. 

Limit screen time and encourage your child to spend more time on healthy hobbies, meditation, yoga, or outdoor activities that promote improved mood.

Focus on positive body image

Overweight kids might feel like their weight defines them. Instead of making it a central issue, help your teen identify the strengths and positive qualities that make them unique.

Encourage your child to explore their interests and develop hobbies. Celebrate their achievements and discuss their hobbies and interests with them.

Lead by example

Young kids learn a lot by observing their parents and other people around them. Teens do the same thing, although perhaps in more subtle ways.

Set a good example for your teen by adopting healthy eating habits, engaging in daily exercise, spending time away from the TV and computer, and pursuing hobbies. Not only can your new habits help support your teen, but they improve your wellness.

Get professional help

Finally, one of the best ways to help your teen get started on a weight management journey is to seek help from medical professionals experienced in teen weight loss. 

Our team has the skills, experience, and compassion to help overweight teens set realistic goals, adopt new habits, and stay on track as they celebrate their successes.

To learn how we can help your teen, request an appointment online or over the phone with Premier Physicians Weight Loss & Wellness today.