How to Lose 20 Pounds When You Are 12 Years Old

Fighting childhood obesity involves teaching children and teenagers how to make healthy choices in nutrition and physical fitness. Everyone should consult a medical professional before beginning a weight loss plan, but young people -- who in particular have a significant amount of weight to lose -- should meet with a pediatrician. Doctors can verify that a child is overweight and give parents a healthy weight range and weight loss goal. After speaking with a doctor, implementing lifestyle changes is imperative if you are a 12 year old hoping to lose 20 lbs.

Instructions

• 1

  Change your eating habits. Increase the amount of fresh fruit and vegetables while replacing simple carbohydrates like white bread with complex carbohydrates such as high fiber and whole grain bread. Limit junk food, pre-packaged snacks and sugary sodas.

• 2

  Increase your physical activity. A 12 year old should exercise moderately for at least 30 minutes per day. This exercise can be a solitary walk around the neighborhood or the exercise that comes from joining a sports team, enrolling in a dance class or playing on a playground.

• 3

  Encourage your family to participate in healthy activities with you. Children often model their mother's exercise habits and iParenting reports that overweight parents raise overweight children. Exercising and eating right as a family creates a mutually supportive and healthy home environment.

• 4

  Join a weight loss camp for kids during the summer. Weight loss camps teach pre-teens healthy eating habits and physical activities while they make friends with kids who experience similar issues.