Weight loss in adolescents

Consistent behaviors to adopt;

• Eat at least 5 pieces of fruit per day
• Minimise sugary drinks (e.g. cola, lemonade, cordials, sports drinks)
• To be physically active for over 1 h per day. Activity can be taken in one session or over several 10 min sessions
• Prepare more meals at home rather than eating out
• Eat a healthy breakfast every day

Other recommendations based on mixed evidence;

• Limit television viewing and other screen time (including computer) to less than 2 h per day
• Involve the whole family in lifestyle changes
• Monitoring of food intake and physical activity levels (e.g. food and activity diaries)
• Adopt a structured healthy meal plan of three daily meals plus no more than 1 or 2 planned snacks per day
• Formal rewards for achieving targeted behaviours

An adolescent should lose at most one kilogram per week!