How to Help Your Teen With Weight Loss

By: Scottsdale Weight Loss Center

Published: August 5, 2021

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Thanks to sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits, childhood obesity has become a serious problem in the United States. Many teenagers are struggling to lose weight.

What can you do to help your child? Consider investing in a medical weight loss program or take the action of helping them make simple everyday changes. Here are some key habits that can help kick-start successful weight loss and a healthier lifestyle.

Eat Breakfast

Even if your teen loves to hit the snooze button on the alarm clock, encourage them to get up 10 minutes earlier and have a nutritious breakfast before leaving for school. Studies show that individuals who eat breakfast are more successful at losing and maintaining weight than folks who don’t.

A nutritious breakfast will kick start your teen’s metabolism and keep them from eating too much later in the day. Aim for a combination of high-fiber and lean protein, such as whole-wheat toast and Greek yogurt.

Get Active

Teens need at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. It doesn’t have to be 60 minutes all at once. Consider biking to school in the morning, walking a few laps around the hallways, or even shooting hoops after school. These are easy ways to incorporate physical activity into the day without it feeling like exercise.

Snack Smart

It’s inevitable that teens are bound to get hungry in between meals. If they are at school, snack options may be limited to vending machines stocked with chips and sugary sodas.

Help your teen plan ahead by sending them to school with healthy snack alternatives. Consider a bag of low-salt pretzels, fresh fruit, or low-fat string cheese. These options all are tasty and will help give your teen the fuel they need to stay active until dinner.

Cut Out Liquid Calories

Don’t drink your meals! Research shows that soda consumption and high-calorie coffee shop drinks are directly linked with weight gain. Even fruit juice may be causing your teen to pack on the pounds. Teach your teen to read nutrition labels and make positive choices. Dump the sugary drinks and replace soda with sugar-free, flavored water. Or make your own fruit smoothie at home to eliminate unnecessary sugar and fat.

Get Fit Together

Most important, stay supportive as a family. Make getting healthy a family affair. Participate in the same medical weight loss program as your teen or adjust to new habits together. Here are three simple things you can do:

Stock your fridge and pantry with fruits, vegetables, and healthy snacks.
Make family dinners a priority and eat together at the table, not in front of the TV.
Hit the trails for a family hike, rather than having a movie night.

A positive attitude and positive reinforcement will boost your teen’s confidence and help the entire family adopt a healthier lifestyle.

This is How You Lose the Weight, Once and For All

If you’re ready to say goodbye to quick fixes that never last? And you’re serious about losing the weight for good? We’re the experts you can trust to guide you through a weight loss program that will not only take the weight off but keep it off.
Schedule a consultation with us today.

nick weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Nick's Story

"I wish I would have come here first. We spend all our time reacting to the next great weight loss tip or program. It might work for a while, but does not last and we end up yo-yoing from one fad to the next – as we gain more weight." Read More

gina weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 44.5 lbs

"I had no trouble adhering to the meals and they really helped catapult my progress! The classes were so beneficial to me because they helped change my thinking about how I viewed health, nutrition, and fitness.

I will always have my relationship with Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. They truly helped me change my life forever." Read More

lauren weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 60 lbs

"Dr. Ziltzer and everyone who I have come in contact with at the Scottsdale Weight Loss office have been so encouraging and I look forward to seeing them each week. It is now a year and 2 months later since I started. I am down 60 lbs., which is the average amount a 9-year-old weighs, it is crazy to think I lost a whole person! I feel amazing, I hit my goal weight in November 2021 just before Thanksgiving. Nothing on my body hurts anymore..." Read More

chuck h weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 66 lbs

"The best thing I did was call the Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. I have a lot more energy, I'm not hungry, and it feels great.

You can take it from me that this is a program that produces results. The staff is always positive, supportive, and never judgmental.

Your visits always result in positive reinforcement, no matter if you had a good week or a bad week." Read More

emily weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 101 lbs

"Here I am at the lowest I have been since high school weighing in at 155lbs. I have lost 101 lbs, BMI of 39 when I started, to 21.6, and of course at body fat % of 47.1 to 26.5%. I told myself by my 30th birthday I wanted to be confident in the way I look and I owe it all to SWLC. The entire staff is so welcoming and they are rooting for you just as much as you are rooting for yourself...." Read More

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   Andi K 
 3 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I landed at Scottsdale Weight Loss 13 years ago and lost 50 pounds….regained 10 and then lost them again, plus another 20.  It is a great program, and all the professionals are amazing and caring.
     
   Mj W 
 9 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. SWL has been a God send to me! Dr. Guzman & staff especially Lilia & Bianca! They’re so supportive & professional I have lost approx 50 pounds over the year at my own pace.
     
   Donna L 
 11 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great place 30 lbs.and counting thank you And now it is over 40 lbs. and counting thank you great job
     
   John J 
 27 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr Robert Ziltzer! He helped me reach my ideal weight and more importantly maintain it for over 2 years. He has also helped me keep my blood pressure exactly where my internist wanted it. Dr Ziltzer is not only exceptional in weight management but also a truly gifted internet’s. His knowledge, kindness, and dedication are remarkable. I am deeply grateful for his care and recommend him whole heartedly!
     
   Merle S 
 34 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The staff at the Phoenix office are great! My experience with Dr deGuzman has been wonderful. Miriam has always been very helpful and makes the office visits pleasant and personal. The medical assistants have always been professional and great to help meet my goals.
     
   Paula S 
 37 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I really felt comfortable with Kristen at my initial appointment.  Everyone at the center was caring and friendly, from Bianca, at the front desk, to Lily, who is the MA.  Kristen listened to my frustrations and prior disappointments about what has not worked, and is confident that she can help me achieve my goals of weight loss.  I am looking forward and excited to see the success I will attain.
     
   Joyce K 
 44 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My weight loss is going well because of Scottsdale Weight Loss Center.  I couldn’t do it without them
     
   Robert D 
 46 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing staff and great program!  Feeling great!
     
   Brian H 
 48 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I'd lost 20 pounds on my own and struggled to keep it off.  I decided GLP-1 meds were the next step in losing more and keeping it off.  I wanted a medical doctor supervised program and chose SWLC. I am so very glad I did!  The team in Glendale is so supportive and kind; and when I feel discouraged, they pick me up with positive energy and input.  They really do a great job with encouragement all the time. 6 weeks in I've lost 17 pounds, and am approaching weight loss with a very new perspective.  Also knowing that when I reach my target goal, they'll be there through maintenance and beyond is encouraging as well.  Good to not feel alone on this journey.
     
   Stephanie P 
 62 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They have encouraged and been there through every tough situation. Definitely the team to lean on.
     
   Theresa G 
 67 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everyone is pretty amazing but Kim the NP is absolutely one of the best practitioners I’ve ever met !
     
   Mary K 
 68 days ago
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
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