Between 16 and 33 percent of children and adolescents are obese, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
With this statistic in mind, some teens diet to take off the last couple of pounds before spring break or right after Thanksgiving to get their ideal body. There are guidlines to follow so people diet and exercise safely.
“Dieting is all about proportions,” Camille Kotrba, registered dietician, said. “Follow the proportions shown on the food guide pyramid and don’t lose more than one pound a week.”
It is easiest to lose weight while cutting down proportions and exercising, Kotrba said.
One student who stays fit is Ariel Zhang, junior. She underwent surgery to fix her scoliosis, which was a 90 degree curvature in her back. After, Zhang got a personal trainer to teach her to eat healthier and get into shape.
“When I work out it helps me keep focused on homework more and keep my head clear,” Zhang said. “It’s just a good feeling to come home and feel so tired and be able to relax.”
Zhang works out about three times a week and eats smaller, lighter meals more frequently. . She mostly lifts weights specifying on different muscle groups each day.
“I believe in a lot of moderation,” Zhang said. “I will go out and eat fast food like McDonalds, just not that often.”
Kotrba said eating fast food is like eating at home since you can get grains from a bun and then protein from the meat. Sometimes, it is ok to eat a small order of fries.
Zhang said the key to losing weight and staying healthy is exercise, no matter what one does.
“I think it’s important to stay active no matter what it is,” Zhang said. “It can be walking a couple of laps around the park with friends or even walking around the mall.”
She also encourages people to not be afraid to ask question and create a good atmosphere.
“Surround yourself with people who are going to push you,” Zhang said. “Also, look to those for advice like in the weight room because they will definitely want to help you.”
Kotrba said when one diets it is important they have a long enough time period to lose a certain amount of weight.
“If people are under stress like at exam time, then that is not a good time to diet,” Kotrba said. “People need to give themselves enough time to reach their goal, have motivation to loose weight and have no stress.”
One should start cutting down portion sizes gradually to balance out meals, Kotrba said.
“It’s a good thing to start limiting what you eat by eating less and smaller portions and eating a variety of foods including dessert,” Kotrba said.
Once one is at healthy weight, especially while they are in season for sports, it is important to maintain it, not to lose or gain any more, Kotrba said.
Maddy Stovall, senior stays in shape by following these guidelines.
“I run or go the gym and try to eat a fruit or veggie every meal,” Stovall said. “I mostly try to keep myself busy so I’m not sitting around all the time.”