Talking About Weight Loss With Teens

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – It is very important how you approach an overweight teen when you are trying to help them with their weight issues.

First, you should talk about “healthy eating”, not weight loss. The reason why this is the case is because just focusing on weight loss can increase the risk of eating disorders.

The study from the University of Minnesota looked at over 3500 teens and found when moms talked about healthful eating, there was a significantly lower prevalence of dieting and unhealthy weight control behaviors. Similar results were seen with dads talking to their daughters.

It makes sense but many of us don’t think about it.