As much as 62 percent of adolescent girls report dieting. 28 percent of teen boys report dieting, too, according to The National Adolescent and School Health Survey. Dieting is associated with a greater risk of developing future eating disorders. This can have negative consequences during critical periods of growth and development. The 1993 Youth Risk Behavior Survey brings to light some of the differences between moderate and extreme dieters and between dieters and non-dieters.
Extreme dieters have an increased risk of developing eating disorders.
An extreme dieter is one who severely restricts food intake, uses diet pills or vomits to control weight. Extreme dieters are more likely to engage in other unhealthy activities such as laxative use, vomiting and smoking. Moderate dieters reported eating fewer high fat foods, ate more fruits and vegetables and engaged in more regular and vigorous activity than non-dieters. Taking into account a teen's desire to make his or her own decisions, along with the risk of extreme dieting leading to full blown eating disorders, I suggest you support your daughter's desire to lose weight. However, simultaneously appeal to her common sense.