Battling Teen Obesity

Obesity among teens is on the rise. Medical resources are strained. Many young people are unhappy.

But given the state of the average teenagers diet this really comes as no surprise. Fast meals and junk food are really to blame.

So every year, millions are on the mission to find a free weight loss program for teens. It is possible to lose weight without paying a steep price, but there are a few things to remember.

First, a good free weight loss program for teens should not be unrealistic and setting goals that are just too difficult. And it should definitely not exploit an overweight teenagers desperation. It is important to go with a program that considers a teenager's growing mind and body.

Teenagers are still developing so they should not do any drastic dieting with overly restricted calorie intake. This can negatively affect their growth and development.

A free weight loss program for teens should be well thought-off and planned. It should first consider a teenager's existing regular diet and activity level. Only from here can it make diet and exercise recommendations.

As mentioned, many teens just don't have the healthiest lifestyles. If junk food is a big part of their regular eating then that should be the first habit to break.

The new teenager's diet must primarily consist of lean proteins, vegetables, whole grains and fruits. Prepared creatively, these healthy foods can taste as good as their usual pizza, burgers and fries.

In fact, this does not mean no burgers or pizza ever. If these are prepared using healthy ingredients - lean beef burger patty, whole grain bread buns with light cheese - anyone could lose weight. Another important thing though is moderating portion size.

Another good mark of a free weight loss program for teens, is that it involves actual exercise in its program. There is no escaping it, to lose weight hearts must get pumping muscles need moving. This translates to getting some 20 minutes of cardio at least three or four times per week. Adding weight training would be ideal.

However, the teen that does not like hitting the gym or jogging should not be forced. There are plenty other activities that can get their hearts pumping. Look for the ones that appeal to them. It is the only way they will commit to doing the exercise.

Daily activities should not be discounted. A brisk walk done a few times a week can be good enough exercise. Something as simple as waking to school everyday could make a big difference. The key to doing exercise regularly is finding something they actually like doing.

Above all, a free weight loss for teens plan should be realistic and not set the teenager up for failure. Repeated failures are demoralizing and will only result in weight gain. Small, steady progress is always the way to go to see long lasting weight loss.

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