NBC's The Biggest Loser is inspiring the world to make healthier life-style choices.  This inspiration has led us to develop The Biggest Loser for Teens at Total Sensory Wellness Center.  We are taking a comprehensive approach to overcoming youth obesity.  Life-style choices have led to teens being at risk for developing diabetes, high blood pressure, metabolic disorders, depression and so much more.  Total Sensory and Evolution Fitness have teamed up to create a comprehensive program to face this rising epidemic head on. 

 

In order to be considered for "The Biggest Loser for Teens Challenge" you must be at least 13 years of age and have parent/quardian consent. The minimum weight loss requirement is 25 lbs.  As this is a very serious commitment on the part of the participant and the participant's family, it is important that each individual is looking for a comprehensive alternative means to weight loss.  Consider this program to reach your healthy weight.  An adult must be present for the screening process as this is a family commitment.

 

 

     Childhood obesity is on a devastating rise in this country. We have found ourselves in a generation of video game, computer, and TV obsession. Instead of going outside, today’s youth are spending more time in front of this convenient electronic babysitter. Technology! As parents we know how important it is to stimulate our children mentally, but we are neglecting their physical needs. This neglect has led us to a scary position with our children’s health.

     Diseases that were once thought to affect only adults, or that came with age are now attacking a much younger age group.   You’re probably wondering what diseases and health complications your child is facing in this less active, obese society. Here are just a few:

·         Type 2 Diabetes (adult onset, not anymore)

·         Metabolic Disorder

·         High Blood Pressure

·         Asthma & Other Respiratory Complications

·         Sleep Disorders

·         Liver Disease

·         Earlier Puberty Onset

·         Eating Disorders

·         Low Self-Esteem & Depression

·         Behavioral and Learning Problems

     As a mother or father, it may be difficult to see that I need to help my kids battle these health issues at an early age. But if I’m not going to be their advocate and show them how to become healthy adults, who else will? Health begins at home. Let’s work together to find some simple, and fun ways to minimize your child’s risk of developing obesity related health complications. 

     The important thing to understand about your child’s health is that they are learning from you. Your eating and exercise habits are reflected by your child. So if mom and dad lead a healthy, balanced life then the kids are more likely to live healthy, balanced lives. Here are a few ways to bring health back to the center of your family:

1.      Have a heart to heart. Whether or not your child is obese at this stage of the game is not the issue. You still need to talk with your child about the importance of leading a healthy, active life. Let you child know that you are concerned and want to make health a family affair.

2.      Make healthy eating a family affair. It is important that you are not placing restrictions on one child and not another. Dietary changes should be approached as a family. In a child’s mind it does not make sense that their sibling can indulge in sweets but they can’t. They see it as a punishment for being obese. You can make health a family affair by including your kids in meal planning and preparation. Your kids will love the ownership they have and be proud of their accomplishment. Just make sure you compliment how wonderful it tastes and how you couldn’t have prepared that great of a meal with out their help. 

3.      Make exercise a family affair. Take a day trip to a nature trail or hike to a fun location to enjoy a picnic lunch. Or you could go for a bike ride at state and county parks. Enjoy a couple of hours at the playground or go outside to kick or throw a ball around. Not only is this a great time and attention for your kids, but it also gets them off the couch and moving around.

4.      Breakfast versus that extra 5 minutes of sleep. Get your kids out of bed. Breakfast is an important meal. It gets their metabolism going and lets their body know that it is time to face the day. Make sure they are not running out the door with a pop-tart in hand. Instead, remind them how important breakfast is and sit down to eat with them. 

5.      Healthy snacking. If you were a kid and you saw cookies in the pantry and a piece of fruit on the counter, which would you go for? I know myself and I would tackle that pack of cookies in a heart beat. So why give that as an option? Keep a well-stocked supply of healthy snacks available for your child. If you raise them to appreciate and enjoy healthy food, then they will find those cookies less appetizing and fulfilling in the future. 

6.      Encourage physical activity. Get your child involved in athletics on some level. It does not have to be competitive for them to excel. You have a lot of options with school and county parks and recreation teams. You can also find a gym that will allow teen membership. You might be looking for a healthy way to get your teen ready for their athletic season or trying to help your struggling teen lose a little weight. Both of these circumstances should be addressed with the guidance of a coach or trainer. I have coached and trained many teens and they all need to be approached in different manners, but the underlying similarity is that they all want to have fun. So I make sure that their workouts are motivational and enjoyable, while intense and effective.