Teenage Diet Facts

Many teenagers feel a desire to diet, whether it's for health reasons or because they feel pressured to look a certain way. However, it's important that teens understand the proper way to diet to avoid unhealthy behavior.

1. Assessment

   • Like adults, teenagers can use online tools to figure out their body mass index (BMI). Teens can then find where they fall on the BMI percentile chart, by searching online or consulting their physician. If they fall above the 85th percentile on the chart, they are considered overweight and should consider a healthy diet plan.

   Considerations

   • When teenagers hit puberty, their bodies go through a number of healthy changes. For example, according to Teens Health, broadening hips are one of those changes. Even if a teen is considered overweight, these natural changes cannot be avoided through dieting.

   Warning

   • Since teenagers' bodies are still changing, it's important to consult a doctor before dieting. A doctor can help the family by creating a plan that best suits the teen's body and is combined with a healthy amount of exercise.