Obesity

Many fat teenagers have high blood pressure and high cholesterol, in addition to emotional problems. Being a fat adolescent can have a devastating effect on self-esteem and self-confidence.

If your teenager is on her way towards being fat, or is already fat, she needs help. She doesn’t need your criticism or ridicule, but rather your support. One of the hardest jobs is to lose weight as a teenager.

The problem is that the adolescent wants an instant cure – some magic to melt all the pounds off in a matter of weeks. Sad to say, it doesn’t work that way. Discuss the problem with your doctor. He may suggest a teenage weight reduction program. Your job is to set the proper example at home, with a low fat, low cholesterol diet, and increased physical activity. Aerobic exercises are best, such as jogging, swimming, bike riding and dancing. It certainly won’t be easy, but it can be done.

Dr. Alvin Eden is chairman of the department of pediatrics at Wyckoff Heights Hospital in Brooklyn and associate clinical professor of pediatrics at Cornell University Medical Center. Dr. Eden has authored several books including “Positive Parenting” and “Healthy Kids”.