How to Help an Adolescent with a Weight Problem

The following are tips for families and friends of adolescent with a weight problem.

DO:

• Comment favorably on constructive changes in the teenager’s eating habits.
• Compliment the teenager for avoiding situations hat trigger overating.
• Keep problem foods (high-calorie, high-fat foods) out of sight, and preferably out of the house.
• Stock tasty low-calorie foods such as skim milk product, fresh fruits, and raw vegetables in the cupboard and refrigerator.
• Encourage the teenager to plan meals and to choose healthful, low-fat cooking methods

Don’t:

• Be pessimistic
• Scold or nag if the teenager fails to keep to the diet plan; negotiation is a better approach.
• Tell other people about any failure or back sliding on the teenagers part.
• Offer food that is forbidden. (“A little won’t hurt you.”).
• Offer foods as a sign of affection. (“But I prepared it especially for you.”)