How to Lose Weight as a Teen

This How To article instructs teens how to lose weight.

Things You'll Need

• Reasonable goals
• An exercise program
• A healthy diet
• A support system

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Instructions

• 1

  Set reasonable goals. If you want to lose 10 pounds to look great in your prom dress, that's great. However, if your prom is two weeks away then you have created an unreasonable goal. A weight loss of one pound per week is reasonable. A goal of five pounds per week is not reasonable and you will be doomed to failure.

• 2

  Find an exercise that you enjoy doing. If your lifestyle is very sedentary, begin to exercise a minimum of 30 minutes a day three times a week and ramp up to 60 minutes. If you are already active in sports at school, increase your activity level to 60 minutes five times a week.

  Finding an exercise that you enjoy is key to keeping up with it. Unfortunately, weight loss doesn't happen by diet alone. You do need to exercise. Try a dance class at your local Boys or Girls Club or YMCA. Too embarrassed to exercise with a group? Go to your local library and check out exercise videos. Libraries offer great choices and the options available will help you figure out what type of exercise you enjoy doing.

• 3

  Eat a healthy diet. If you think you are hungry, drink eight ounces of water and then wait thirty minutes. If you are still hungry, then select a healthy snack such as fruits, vegetables or yogurt. When people are dehydrated, the symptoms feel like hunger. Drinking water may alleviate hunger pangs and has the added benefit of flushing impurities from your system.

  Does that mean that you can never eat ice cream or pizza? No! That would be ridiculous, especially for a teen! Just remember that these foods are to be eaten in moderation. Have just one slice and a side order of salad or choose the frozen yogurt instead of full fat ice cream.

• 4

  Create a support group. It would be great if your family could be your support group, but it doesn't always work out that way. If mom or dad were on board with your decision to eat healthier, they could help out by creating a diverse menu that includes lots of healthy fruits and vegetables.

  Many teens find support with one another. Weight loss is more fun if you can do it with a buddy. Having a buddy to check in with each day is a terrific way to keep your diet on track. It is harder to make excuses not to exercise when your running buddy shows up for a run. It could be a real win-win for the two of you.

• 5

  Weigh yourself once a week. Really, do not weigh yourself every day. Your weight fluctuates daily so you will drive yourself nuts by weighing every day. Once a week is sufficient. Try to weigh yourself at the same time each week as well.