Forsyth Medical Center 
Adolescent Girls
Weight Loss
| Adolescents who are obese face psychological consequences. The prejudice associated with obesity is intense and young people are often humiliated and suffer permanent emotional scars. Weight loss is about skills, not will. |
People who need to lose weight do not lack will power; they lack skills to eat less and move more in a society that teaches them to do just he opposite. It is a different skill set, much like learning to play the piano or driving a car.
Below are some skills that you may find helpful in the weight loss process:
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Skill 1: Understand the buzz.
- Fast food restaurants advertise to persuade individuals to buy their products, but teen-targeted magazines and television stations advertise that thin is in. The messages are conflicting.
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Skill 2: Take control of your environment.
- Pass on the "biggie sizes" and "value meals" to control your portion sizes
- Cut back on television time and increase your activity
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Skill 3: Focus on your health instead of your waist.
- Don't use your weight to measure your self-worth
- Pay attention to healthy food choices, exercising and gaining strength
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Skill 4: Write down what you eat, how much of it you eat and the time you eat it.
- This helps identify diet patterns and problem areas
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Skill 5: Develop realistic expectations about what's possible and what's practical.
- A small drop in body weight can make a big difference in health
Set achievable short-term goals and you'll experience success. When accomplished, they will boost your self-esteem and help you tackle the longer-term goals you set for yourself.
For More Information
For more information about the Healthy Family Adolescent Weight Management Program, please contact the Sara Lee Center for Women's Health at (336) 718-3780 or call toll free (888) 218-1234.
