Amor

Overview
According to the ADA there has been a 39 percent increase in obese teenagers. This is due to many factors, although upbringing is a predominant influence. With two obese parents there is an80 percent chance that a teen will be obese; with one parent, 40 percent; and with lean parents only a 10 percent chance. 

Weight management is about long-term work with success that will last alifetime. People who lose weight quickly by "crash" dieting or other extreme measures usually gain it all back or gain even more of the pounds they lost because they haven't changed their eatinghabits. The best weight management strategies are those that you can maintain. 

Be aware of what you drink
It's amazing how many extra calories are in sodas, juices and other drinks. Cutting out sodacompletely can save you 360 calories or more each day. Avoid diet soda too, the artificial sweeteners tend to make some people hungry. Drink a lot of water. Switching from whole to nonfat or low-fatmilk, soy milk or other sugar-free beverages is also a good idea.

Move your body
You may find that you don't need to give up calories as much as you need to get off your behind. Try a variety ofactivities, such as hiking, cycling or rowing until you find ones you like. Even the smallest lifestyle changes like walking to school or jogging up and down the stairs a couple of times before yourmorning shower can really make a difference. Your goal should be to work up to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise at least 3 to 5 times a week, but it's fine to start out by simply taking a few turns aroundthe block before bed. 

Start small
Drastic changes are much harder to stick with than small changes. Try reducing the size of the portions you eat and giving up regular soda for a week. Once youhave that down, start gradually introducing healthier foods and exercise into your life.

Stop eating when you're full
Lots of teens eat when they're bored, lonely or stressed, or keep eating long...