Body Image and Behavior While a diet for teenagers can't be ignored, physical appearance is the top concern of most teens.
More interestingly, it's not necessarily their appearance but how they believe they're perceived by their peers that drives them emotionally.
This perception is often very skewed from reality and can be damaging to a teenager's mind, body, and lifestyle.
Some teenagers will be pressured into the habit of skipping meals during the day and end up overeating later on in the evening.
This behavior can change a small weight problem into a serious health risk very quickly.
The situation could be further complicated by the attitudes of classmates and friends that crack jokes about obesity.
This can create an environment that's very unhealthy to live in, and increase the pressure to seek comfort in food as a means of safety.
The solution is only a short-term escape from the real issue.
To truly resolve the issue the poor habits must be replaced with good habits such as exercising, and choosing to eat healthy foods to nourish the body and satisfy hunger.
Communication and Resolution To further complicate the problem, weight loss is a very sensitive issue and attempts to help a struggling teenager may be misunderstood.
If you're unable to talk about the issue, then it can be much more difficult to help resolve it.
For a teenager with a weight problem, it's an issue they live with daily.
The low self-esteem that can result from their body image will increase the pressure to escape into unhealthy habits like overeating.
The problem should be addressed and talked about.
It can't be ignored, because the long-term health risks are too great.
Make time to discuss it privately and let them know you're here to help, not hurt.
Be supportive of positive lifestyle changes and you can work on it together.