Healthy Weight | Help Your Teen Maintain A Healthy Weight

Each teen is special and develops at a different rate. Like adults, children and teens come in many different sizes and shapes, but the way a child or teen grows tells us a great deal about their health. If a teen is having problems with health or nutrition, growth is often affected.

How Do You Know if Your Teen Is a Healthy Weight?

The body mass index is a number calculated from a child’s height and weight. The BMI is used as a screening tool to identify possible weight concerns in children that may lead to health problems. For children and teens, the body mass index is age- and gender-specific and is often referred to as BMI-for-age.

For children, the BMI is used to screen for obesity, as well as overweight, healthy weight or underweight. It is not a diagnostic tool as your child may be taller or shorter, heavier or lighter than other children of the same age.

Changes in a child’s height and weight generally follow a regular pattern. Irregular patterns — gaining weight faster than usual or losing weight too quickly — need to be addressed.

Measure a teen’s height and weight regularly, at least once a year for adolescents, to recognize the pattern of growth that is normal for them. Remember that children mature at different ages and girls generally mature earlier than boys. Teens can be sensitive about their changing bodies and parents need to tell their kids that this process is normal. Reassuring words will have a positive influence on how your teen feels about his or her body and individual growth pattern.

Many parents don’t realize their teen may be at an unhealthy weight. If you are unsure, see your family physician or a registered dietitian. In the meantime, the website for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov) has a useful BMI calculator for kids ages two to 19. After the teen’s body mass index is calculated, it’s plotted on a BMI-for-age growth chart for either girls or boys to obtain a percentile ranking.

The BMI percentile shows how your teen’s weight compares to that of other children of the same age and sex. For example, if a BMI-for-age percentile is 65 per cent, this indicates the child’s weight is greater than 65 per cent of other children of the same age and sex. Based on an expert committee’s recommendations, a healthy weight ranges widely between the fifth and the 85th percentile.

Should My Teen Go on a Diet?

Many teens try to lose weight in unhealthy ways. They’re often drawn to fad diets, skip meals or omit entire food groups — all of which is harmful to their growth and development. Teens who diet often feel tired, unable to concentrate and may become anemic. Many who are at a healthy weight try to slim down, often when they’re not feeling good about themselves, or are unable to control certain aspects of their life, such as school and peers.

Dieting should be monitored as it sometimes leads to bigger eating problems. If your child talks about being fat even if he’s not overweight, weighs himself often, and focuses on food, exercise and counting calories, he may have an eating problem. If you suspect an eating problem, speak with your doctor or visit The National Eating Disorder Information Centre website at nedic.ca.

What Can I Do to Help My Teen Eat Better?

Be a role model when it comes to eating and physical activity. Model healthy eating patterns and food choices without trying to be perfect. Do not diet. Keep healthy foods on hand. Provide healthy lunches and dinners, even if you’re not around.

Involve your child in planning meals, shopping and cooking. Be involved in your teen’s individual menu plan. Have a family meal routine and try to eat and relax together at least once a day.

Be active regularly because it feels good, not just for weight control. Be sure the family avoids making weight-related comments about themselves and others.

The best way to maintain a healthy weight is through healthy eating and a physically active lifestyle. If your teen is far above or below his or her healthy weight range, he or she may need to consult with a registered dietitian to assess where appropriate changes can be made.