Teenage weight loss: the importance of healthy habits

For teenagers, weight loss is a topic that can be difficult to talk about.

As children, we learn that it’s ok to be different and not fit into the same standards as everyone else. But when we reach our teenage years, the pressure to look and dress like everyone else becomes greater.

For some teens, this can lead to unhealthy weight loss methods such as skipping meals and exercising excessively in an effort to lose weight quickly.

It’s important for teens to understand how dangerous these habits can be and how they can take control of their own health by adopting healthy habits such as eating n

The importance of healthy habits in teenage weight loss

The UK is the second fattest nation in Western Europe, with one in three children expected to be obese by the age of 18.

This puts teenagers at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer, and other serious illnesses. Unfortunately, there is no good or safe ‘quick fix for weight loss, and for many teenagers, it’s not as simple as choosing the best diet and exercise plan or even counting calories to get their body slim.

Finding the right nutrition plan and finding the right time for exercise is essential for anyone trying to lose weight, especially a teenager.

The best way to do this is by building healthy habits into their day. Focus on the importance of nutrition during your teenage years, as it can be the hardest time to find time to eat well.

What are the risks of unhealthy weight loss habits?

In the first few months of dieting, most people can feel a sense of control and motivation. Unfortunately, this is often because the pounds are coming off, but it’s not that good for your body and can increase your chances of developing unhealthy habits that could lead to more weight gain.

This is because when you cut calories, the body goes into starvation mode, triggering increased hunger.

The side effects of starvation mode are increased chances of gorging on unhealthy foods, feelings of guilt for consuming too many calories, and the need to seek comfort through excessive amounts of food.

So, it’s important that teens learn to listen to their bodies, eat when they’re hungry, and stop when they’re full.

Not overeating is the key to losing weight without any harmful side effects.

How to adopt healthy habits

For teenagers, weight loss is a topic that can be difficult to talk about. As children, we learn that it’s ok to be different and not fit into the same standards as everyone else.

But when we reach our teenage years, the pressure to look and dress like everyone else becomes greater.

For some teens, this can lead to unhealthy weight loss methods such as skipping meals and exercising excessively in an effort to lose weight quickly.

It’s important for teens to understand how dangerous these habits can be and how they can take control of their own health by adopting healthy habits such as eating balanced meals and exercising every day.

Resources

University of Central Lancashire Health Education Services Talk to a dietician www.uclanvativenutrition.com www.you.nhs.uk/environment/youth www.people.nhs.uk/lancashire-health Healthspan Healthspan has a team of well trained in-house dietitians who can advise on maintaining healthy eating and lifestyle. Healthspan also offers free and confidential advice via its Healthline service which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 0800 68 47 56. Visit www.healthspan.co.uk Talk to your GP See your GP if you are concerned that you are not eating enough and if your weight loss is concerning you. They will give you advice on your diet and exercise plans and work with you to set yourself a target weight. www.nhs.uk Dr Ranj’s video on teenage weight loss www.facebook.