How to Help an Overweight Teen

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Adult attitudes toward overweight teens have a big impact on their motivation to shed pounds. Here's how to help them.

Step 1: Don’t call them overweight
Don’t openly refer to the teen as overweight. This may make them feel ashamed and could make matters worse.

Step 2: Ask if you can help them
Volunteer to help them become healthier rather than suggest they lose weight. Keep the focus on health rather than diet and weight loss.

Tip
Encourage family meals together at the table instead of in front of the television, which can lead to overeating.

Step 3: Don’t suggest dieting
Suggest fun forms of exercise and activities instead of dieting. Cooking together and exploring healthy food options will keep the focus on healthy lifestyles.

Step 4: Don’t push things on teens
Employ gentle encouragement instead of pushing anything on an overweight teen. Their willingness to want to lose weight must, and will only, come from them.

Step 5: Set an example
Model healthy lifestyle habits, including what you eat. Make sure your relationship with food is healthy – examples are powerful motivators.

Tip
Engage in physical activities together such as bicycling, jogging, hiking, and rollerblading.

Step 6: Show love and support
Show consistent love and support whatever they do.

Did You Know?
Did you know? In a study, lifting weights twice a week reduced the insulin resistance responsible for causing diabetes in overweight children and adolescents.