How can teenagers maintain a healthy weight?

Being a teenager isn't much fun, and it can be particularly harsh for those who have a weight problem, since their peers aren't always sympathetic and can even be downright nasty. Overweight teenagers often encounter bullying which makes them feel worse about their bodies, and if they rely on food for comfort this is precisely what they will turn to. This generally means that they consume an even greater number of calories than they require and could potentially end up putting on more weight. In an ideal world size wouldn't be an issue, but when you're a teenager sometimes it's just easier to conform and to be a 'normal' weight. It is therefore more convenient to avoid developing a weight problem in the first place than gaining weight and having to lose it.

Ultimately, it comes down to calories. If you stuff yourself with cream cakes all day and your idea of exercise is walking to the fridge, you shouldn't be surprised if you weigh more than you'd like to. It can be difficult to get your calorie intake right when you're a teenager because you're still growing and thus need a substantial amount of calories, even if you don't do much exercise. Part of the trouble is that when you're a teenager you usually start earning your own money, and when you go out with friends you might be tempted to buy junk food, rather than eating healthy meals at home. If your friends eat a lot of calorific, salty and sugary foods you probably will too, and whilst they might seem to be able to eat what they want without worrying, you may not be so lucky.

Besides, even though your friends might appear to be 'lucky', the chances are that they are sticking to a certain number of calories each day or are active enough to burn off those extra calories. If you don't want to give up your fast food and tasty treats you therefore might want to consider doing more exercise. It is obviously important for teenagers to get variety into their diet and absorb all the vitamins and minerals they need to grow, but they can still eat some calorific treats, whilst the role of exercise shouldn't be discounted in helping teenagers remain a healthy weight. Walking, running, using gym equipment, cycling and swimming are just some of the activities which can get you burning calories and building muscle.

If you get enough exercise into your routine you will find it is not as difficult to maintain a healthy weight, and combining this with a sensible diet will hopefully enable you to avoid developing a weight problem as a teenager or at any other stage in your life.