At the time, weight was not a significant issue most people s lifestyles were active enough to keep extra calories from adding up as extra pounds. Overeating also was considered unpatriotic the soldiers were the ones who needed the extra calories. Today, weight and health concerns encourage weight loss and thinness because chronic diseases associated with overweight are seen as a drain on limited healthcare resources. Since an overweight adolescent has a greater chance of being an overweight adult, parents may be tempted to focus on their teen s weight. In reality, each person s focus should be on being healthy, no matter their size.
Teenagers can be particularly sensitive about their weight and appearance.
Parents of infants and young children focus on growth and size as a sign of health. In later years, such emphasis can have a negative impact on children. Healthy people can have a variety of size and shapes helping teenagers learn to accept their size and shape is important, the nutrition educator said. Focus on the positive. Offer a variety of foods without calling attention to any of them.