Parents of teens should read this article and strive for healthy weight loss for their beloved children. Teens in high school are mature enough to understand the problems of being seriously overweight or obese. By the way, nutrition education should be taught in schools from elementary schools to high schools which may help to reduce the number of overweight children in our society.

The number of people who are overweight in the United States has increased to staggering heights. Recent studies indicate the percentage of teens who are overweight has more than doubled in recent years.

If they live on fast food and high-calorie processed food, they will certainly become overweight or obese. Studies show that the overwhelming majority of teens eat more high-fat foods and fewer nutritious foods that are recommended for optimal health.

More often than not, being overweight stems from a combination of poor eating habits and lack of physical exercise. It would be wise to eliminate a lifestyle with too much time spent in front of the computer or TV screen. This is a growing problem in society today, but it can be reversed.

Make no mistake about it genetics play a starring role in overweight and obese individuals. Scientific studies have shown that if one or both of your parents are overweight or obese, the chances are very high that you will be obese as well.

Sometimes, emotional distress can result in excess fat. Teens, like most everyone, may make bad food choices when they stressed. They invariable turn to junk food, processed sugar snacks and potato chips for comfort. Stress does in fact trigger eating binges.

Teens often underestimate how much they really eat. That is why it is so important to start eating smaller portions. You must understand that more is not always better.

I encourage you to eat meals more frequently because it may help boost your metabolism and productivity. Five to six small meals per day may be just the ideal plan for you. Research has found that people who eat two meals or less during the day have a slower metabolic rate (the speed at which your body burns calories) than those who eat three or more times a day.

A message to parents, guardians and overweight teens: Doctors and other health care professionals are the best people to determine whether your weight is and how to achieve healthy weight loss. They can also help rule out rare medical problems as the cause of being seriously overweight or obese and support your goals to reach a normal weight.