In modern society, the problem of excess weightconcerns all age groups without exception, including teenagers. But it is in adolescence that the slightest flaws in one's appearance are perceived most painfully. And the teenager begins to conduct numerous and sometimes very dangerous experiments with his body - various diets, hunger strikes, and in some cases even worse - various weight loss drugs are used. How such violence against a growing body can end - no doctor will undertake to predict. But it is not difficult to guess that nothing good, unfortunately. What to do? How can a teenager lose weight quickly? And most importantly, safely? Let's try to understand this issue in order to help your child.
Causes of excess weight
First of all, it is necessary to understand why such a problem as excess weight arose at all. After all, there is no smoke without fire, just as there is no excess weight without reasons. As a rule, there are three main ones:
- Violation of the hormonal background
In some cases, being overweight isa consequence of a violation of the normal hormonal background. As a rule, such a situation can be suspected in cases where a physically active teenager who receives a healthy balanced diet begins to gain weight, and especially if, in addition to excess weight, the child suffers from acne and pimples. In this case, unfortunately, it will be almost impossible to cope with excess weight on your own, and it is not safe for the child's health. Therefore, the only way out of this situation will be to consult a doctor - ideally an endocrinologist or at least a pediatrician. The doctor will examine the child, conduct a number of necessary studies and, if necessary, prescribe an appropriate course of treatment, select a gentle diet. And will regularly monitor the health of the teenager.
- Wrong way of life
Movement is life.And also health and a good figure. Alas and ah, active games of "tag" and "cops and robbers" have long since sunk into oblivion. Today's children and teenagers prefer to spend time in front of the TV and/or computer. It is not surprising that extra pounds begin to "stick" to a teenager like a magnet. And if in addition to a sedentary lifestyle and an unhealthy diet - it's all over. And, unfortunately, this is often the case. Semi-finished products, sweets, chips, nuts, carbonated drinks - what kind of health can we talk about! Unfortunately, very often parents do not pay due attention to nutrition - work, fatigue.
With what to begin?
It is very important to understand one simple truth -There is no and cannot be an answer to the question of how a teenager can lose weight quickly. Losing weight too quickly is dangerous even for an adult, not to mention a growing body. The main thing that a teenager should understand is that he will need a reserve of patience. The hated kilograms accumulate for more than one or two months. This means that it will not be possible to get rid of them quickly. Patience and a systematic comprehensive approach will ultimately bring the desired result. But before you start losing weight, be sure to show the teenager to the doctor - even if he is completely healthy and has never had any health problems except colds.
Normalize the food
The first thing you need to start with iswith a radical change in diet. But no diets, remember? Firstly, a diet puts the teenager's health at risk, and perhaps for the rest of his life. Secondly, a diet is a very temporary measure. Perhaps, during the diet, the teenager's weight will decrease. But you can't stay on a diet your whole life and you will have to return to a normal diet. This means that the weight will very quickly return back and even take "friends" in the form of a couple of kilograms with it. Therefore, the only way out is proper nutrition. Which should not be a temporary measure, but a permanent way of life. By the way, it would be a good idea for parents to join their child - it will bring nothing but great benefits. And it will be much easier for the child to resist temptations if there is no mayonnaise and sausages in the refrigerator.
- Prohibited products
In no case should a teenager's diet includethere should be no fast food, no semi-finished products. Crackers, chips and other nasty things with artificial preservatives and dyes are the main enemy of a beautiful, slender figure. Sausages, fatty fish and meat are also extremely undesirable. In addition, it is necessary to understand that everything that is not water is food. We must not forget that lemonades, packaged juices, tea with sugar also have calories. Therefore, you should not abuse them, and ideally you should refuse them altogether. Natural juices, still drinking water and green tea are ideal.
- List of recommended products
However, a teenager is a growing organism,Therefore, he should not be put on a starvation diet. Proteins, fats and carbohydrates are vital for the body. However, carbohydrates are best obtained from fruits and cereals, proteins - from lean meat and fermented milk products, and fats - from olive oil. Low-fat cottage cheese, meat, fish, fermented milk products, cereals, fruits and vegetables in large quantities - these are the products that should form the basis of the teenager's diet. Otherwise, problems may begin - anemia, vitamin deficiencies and other undesirable phenomena. And do not forget about the intestines - problems with improper nutrition can affect it too. In addition, the meal schedule is very important. If the child wants to get rid of excess weight, the diet should only be fractional! Eating - every two hours, in small portions. In no case is the feeling of hunger allowed! If the body is experiencing headaches, it starts to worry and starts to intensively store nutrients for future use. This means that the weight will start to increase even faster. Although, of course, this does not mean that every two hours the teenager should eat to the point of bursting, so that it is impossible to breathe - the ideal portion should be about 150-200 grams. And we must not forget about water - if there is insufficient content of it in the body, the metabolism begins to slow down. This means that losing weight will be very, very difficult. Therefore, the child should drink about a liter of clean drinking water per day. But do not forget to talk to the doctor first - in some cases, increasing the amount of liquid consumed is contraindicated.
Physical activity
The best way to lose weight as fast as possibleteenager, it is to add physical activity to a healthy diet. Sports should become an integral part of the life of a healthy teenager. Of course, sports in no way mean hours of grueling workouts in the gym! Such excessive loads are categorically contraindicated for a growing body! But rollerblades or skates, a bicycle or skis will only do good. And the process of losing weight will go much faster than with just proper nutrition. The child is not showing much zeal? Go to the skating rink with him. Take badminton and go out of town. In the end, you can take a ball and go to the nearest football field. If these loads are not enough, you can offer the teenager to enroll in one or another sports section - fortunately, the choice is simply huge. For example, girls may be interested in aerobics or dancing, for a boy you can think about team games - football, basketball. Do not forget - and in this case, you can't do without a visit to the doctor. The doctor must assess the child's general physical condition and then determine whether the child can engage in a particular sport.
Body care
Parents should also take into account another important factor.detail. The fact that weight loss can lead to deterioration of the skin condition of the body. Yes, yes, do not be surprised, teenagers can also have loose skin and even severe stretch marks. And sometimes even more noticeable than many adults. And believe me - this cosmetic defect will cause the teenager no less moral suffering than excess weight. Especially if we are talking about a girl - for her it will be a real tragedy. Therefore, this situation must be foreseen and tried to be prevented. In the overwhelming majority of cases, timely preventive measures will help keep the skin of a losing weight teenager in excellent condition. Moreover, it is not that difficult:
- Cold and hot shower
The simplest and most effective remedy formaintaining skin tone and elasticity - this is the most common contrast shower. Three or four temperature alternations are enough, but be sure to explain to the teenager so that he does not go to extremes - the water should be at a comfortable temperature, not icy or scalding hot. Ideally, a contrast shower should be taken twice a day.
- Massage
Massage will also be useful for prevention.stretch marks. And the easiest way is a terry towel - just rub your skin thoroughly after a shower until it turns a little red. But girls should be a little careful with the skin on their chest - it's easy to stretch, so there's no point in being overzealous. In addition, a regular massager with pimples that fits on your palm will also come in handy. Show your teenager how to use it.
- Body Oil
Every teenager should definitely have oil forbody, which will help maintain the elasticity and tone of the skin. Remember that a teenager is still a child. Therefore, you should not buy products intended for adults. The ideal option would be moisturizing milk or oil intended for children.
Moral support
In addition to all of the above, a teenager really needs moral support from his parents. It would seem that these are simple truths, but many parents neglect them. So, what should you never do?
- Do not blame the child
Never reproach your child for anything!Neither for not being able to resist and eating a candy, nor for not going to training again. Of course, you should guide the child in the right direction, but very gently and in a friendly manner. And reproaches will only completely discourage the child from believing in himself and may prevent him from achieving his goal.
- Do not criticize the child
How often can one hear from the lips of the beautiful,loving parents make very unflattering comments about their child's appearance - and excess weight is in the lead. Perhaps it seems to you that your child does not react to such comments at all. However, rest assured that this is not the case. And all your comments are painful blows to the teenager's pride. And what this can lead to is unknown. On the contrary - you should try to support your child in every possible way! Has the whole day passed without a single food breakdown? Has the child not missed a single workout for a whole week? Be sure to note all of his successes without exception - this will give the teenager strength and strengthen his self-confidence. By the way, if weight loss is too slow, it is parental support that will play a decisive role. If it is strong enough, the child will still go to the end and in the end, he will succeed. But if instead of support the child runs into a wall of indifference or, even worse, misunderstanding, psychological problems - up to nervous breakdowns - are very likely. How to support a despairing child? You are parents and will quickly find an approach to your child. For example, you can tell him that very often the weight normalizes as the body matures. You can go shopping and buy beautiful, suitable clothes. In a word, in any way to cheer up the child and give strength for the further fight against excess weight. How can a teenager quickly lose weight? Feel the support of family and friends. And first of all, of course, parents. If you are together, you will definitely succeed!