Important information on maintaining weight loss comes from the National Weight Control Registry or NWCR, a group of women and men who have lost at least thirty pounds and maintained that loss for at least 1 year. The registry shows that individuals who successfully maintain their weight loss consume a diet low in calories (average of 1380 calories per day) and fat (average of 25 percent of daily calories from fat).

It has been estimated that more than 60% of adult Americans are overweight, that is a Body mass Index of greater than 25. A recent study estimated that 11% of teens are overweight, and a full 14% of children are overweight. Many experts believe that obesity in the United States is becoming epidemic, and that, if current trends continue, by the year 2040, virtually every American will be overweight.

Metabolism
The next step is to understand the two ways the body burns up calories, metabolism and thermogenesis. Metabolism is the process by which your body burns up calories for normal body maintenance. Approximately 85% of your calories are used for this purpose.

The struggle to lose weight is very difficult for many people and it is clear that most diets fail to live up to their expectations. A huge part of the problem is many people have unrealistic expectations, which are fostered in many ways by the companies that sell products to enhance weight loss. Most people don’t want to make the changes that will bring about long term sustainable and healthy weight.

The best part of the diet experience was that I never developed an eating disorder or an unhealthy attitude about myself. For this, I credit my parents. My family NEVER commented on my weight. They knew I was having enough of a problem. My sisters were not allowed to tease me about my weight, which can also be a problem for teens. My weight loss was a regular part of my life for the next three years.

According to statistics, more than 60% of Americans are overweight!! Though this is staggering, sadly, a percentage are teenagers.

It’s not a surprise with all of the delightful fast food favorites; pizza with friends, and other food-consuming activities. Certainly we know the other side of weight control – anorexia nervosa and bulimia. This is a very scary problem for any parent. So, how do you help your teenager lose weight and keep a good self-image?