So, let’s be practical. Here are some tips, no matter what weight your child is:
How to Maintain Your Teen’s Healthy Weight
Continue to provide regular meals and snacks that contain mostly fruits, vegetables, and grains
Emphasize exercise and if possible, do it with your teen! Encourage your teen to get at least an hour a day of walking, biking, gym, or a team sport.
Allow sweets and fats (like chips) in moderation.
Promote healthy body image! Don’t complain about your own weight or body.
Encourage your teen to help you shop, cook, and participate in family meals.
How to Help Your Overweight or Obese Teen
Acknowledge the problem (without using demoralizing epithets like “fat”) and determine to work on it together.
Seek professional help—your pediatrician or family doctor may be able to recommend a nutritionist to work with you.
Emphasize exercise-- be sure your teen is getting at least an hour a day of walking, biking, or a sport. If he or she is too self-conscious to go to a gym, provide a means to exercise in the house.
Provide regular meals and snacks in small portions that contain mostly fruits, vegetables, and grains.
Never allow your teen to go on fad diets or use diet pills.
Support any and all weight loss and fitness efforts.
See timely resources on childhood and adolescent obesity.