The teenage years are a complicated time, and the body undergoes many changes. During this period, your teen may suffer from excess weight gain, which could lead to obesity. It’s a growing issue and pediatric professionals warn that it can lead to problems like childhood obesity. It’s crucial to help your teen reach a healthy weight and there are many ways you can assist them.

How to Help Teens Combat Obesity

1. Work Together

It’s important to be honest about the dangers of obesity. Ask your teen’s pediatric doctor to share some of the health consequences. You can then work together with your teen to make a plan. Rather than telling them what to do, ask how they want to approach weight loss. Discuss exercise plans, diet changes, and other lifestyle factors. This gives them a sense of control, and they’ll feel supported knowing you want to work with them.

2. Change the Family’s Diet

Healthy eating is a lifestyle and it takes time to adopt it. Your teen may feel isolated with a sudden dietary shift, and it can be difficult watching other family members enjoy unhealthy foods. Make the shift to healthy eating together. Prepare nutritious meals as a family and eat together as often as possible. This creates a support system, and everyone will benefit from it. For assistance, as their pediatric doctor about diet coaching services.

3. Ease Into Changes

Making drastic diet and lifestyle changes can be overwhelming and is a reason many people often abandon their plans. You don’t want to generate too much stress, so ease into the changes. Have your teen do light exercise a few days a week. Gradually, increase the frequency and intensity. Understand that mistakes will be made and plateaus will be hit. So long as you aren’t pushing too hard, your teen will stay confident and overcome.

Working with pediatric professionals at HDR Healthcare Network is an integral part of keeping your family healthy. This Bronx, NY, health system is connected to a wide range of medical professionals to ensure patients have all the resources they need for healthy living. Whether you’re searching for a primary care physician, urgent care services, or home health services, call (929) 256-5005 to speak with a representative. Visit their website to learn more about their affiliates and health network.