Helping your adolescent or teen develop a healthy body image

Adolescents often become extremely concerned about their bodies and their weight, which is understandable since dramatic physical changes are occurring. These concerns are compounded by unrealistic media images of the ideal teen body. In part because of these stresses, eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, are increasing among teenage girls and young women.

The most recent report from the National Center for Health Statistics indicates that an estimated 15% of adolescents ages 12 to 19 in the United States are overweight. Overweight teens are often shunned by their peers and may develop low self-esteem.

Calculate your teen's body mass index (BMI) to see if he or she has a healthy weight.

Healthy eating and exercise habits should be stressed in the home and promoted as a lifelong pursuit. Setting up too many rules can lead to useless conflict. Modeling good eating and exercise habits may be one of the best ways to promote a healthy lifestyle.

Here are some healthy eating tips:

• Eat the recommended number of servings from the different food groups each day.
• Limit the foods you eat that contain oils, fats, and sweets.
• Eat a variety of foods.
• Drink fat-free or low-fat milk. Drink water instead of calorie-laden soda pop.
• Eat more vegetables, fruits, and grains.
• Limit the amount of salt and sugar you add to your food. Avoid eating cereals with added sugar. Eat less candy, cookies, and pies.

Dieting during the teen years requires special attention. Most doctors recommend that overweight teens increase physical exercise, change unhealthy eating behaviors, and let growth catch up to weight.

For more information on eating habits, see the topics Healthy Weight and Healthy Eating for Children. For information on eating disorders, see the topics Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa.