How does peer pressure affect my overweight teen?

Diana S, NASM Elite Trainer

Fitness

Peer pressure affects overweight teens on many levels and may cause a teen to eat more and become depressed. Address their feelings, then encourage and initiate a plan to help your teen lose weight for their health, first and foremost. Teach your teen the benefits of a healthy lifestyle including both activity and healthy, quality food choices.

Exercise is fun when your teen chooses activities they enjoy. These activities will not only guarantee success but help your teen stay consistent to their chosen activities. Teach your teen about healthy, quality food that will nourish their body with much needed energy, vitamins and minerals. Work on weekly menu’s together so your teen feels a sense of commitment to the new lifestyle.

Most of all be their biggest cheerleader. Participate with your teen and show your support. In turn, your teen will healthy and happy.

Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD

Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease)

Dieting and exercise may be key, but when overweight teenagers are struggling daily to combat poor self-image and social isolation, it’s possible they could be doing more harm than good. When all they care about is squeezing into a peer-accepted image, they become prone to abusing diets or over-exercising in hopes of finding weight-loss shortcuts. Unfortunately, those shortcuts become emotionally dark detours, and making matters worse, they may hide them from their parents in shame and embarrassment.
This content originally appeared on doctoroz.com

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Childhood Obesity

There are many reasons that we are seeing more overweight children than we used to. Portion sizes when eating out are larger, kids often get less exercise. More time is spent in front of the TV and computer. One out of five kids is now overweight, and they are at risk for being overweight adults.

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