Tackling Teenage Obesity
July 11, 2009
Obesity among the teens is extremely risky and this is an ever-growing problem. It’s extremely important that parents of teens are informed about how to deal with this problem.
Encourage your teenage child to take up healthy habit and incorporate a healthy lifestyle.
Conversation: Whether your child is currently dealing with an obesity problem make sure they are informed about the problems of obesity and the importance of a healthy lifestyle. The social and emotional trauma a teenager goes through is immense, especially in this day and age. Discuss the problem with them as an adult, don’t avoid the topic.
Shatter unreal images:The problem of weight is a big issue especially for teenage girls. Make sure they don’t have an image in their mind which they want to aspire for. Tell them all body types are different, it’s good to lead a healthy life but one should not follow someone else blindly. Make them realize the importance of a healthy life than perfect body weight.
Quick weight loss: Teens lack patience and to lose weight as soon as possible, they might get into the trap of diet pills, crash diets etc. Talk to them about the side-effects of these quick-fixes and make sure they adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Sports and active lifestyle: Like all of us teenagers also require around 30 minutes of daily physical activity, this doesn’t mean they should go in for gym workout or join an aerobics class. Encourage them to help in the household chores, don’t expose them too much to video gaming and enrol them in some sports classes. Encourage team sports, if possible make them walk or ride a bike to school or market etc.
Skipping breakfast: Many teens avoid having breakfast as they start their day early. Make sure they get into a habit of having a healthy breakfast which should consist cereal, milk and fruits.
Healthy snacking: This would be really difficult as teens have got into the junk trap big time. Tell them about the benefits of healthy eating and the problems they might face with regular consumption of fast food. Make sure they take packed lunch to school and eat healthy.
Liquids: Keep them aware that water is essential for body and they should drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily. Make sure they know the side effects of aerated drinks, ready-made juices etc.
Treat once in a while: It is essential to let them have a slice or two of their favourite pizza, burger, ice-cream etc. once in a while. Don’t keep them completely away from this stuff but limit the intake.
Healthy Lifestyle for Family: Don’t keep the teen aloof, try and incorporate a healthy lifestyle for the entire family than singling the teenager out.
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