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My teen is trying to manage their weight: what can I do?

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To better understand

As discussed in the fact sheet Body image, many teens are not satisfied with the way they look. This dissatisfaction can lead them to resort to high-risk practices. Dieting, miracle products promising weight loss or muscle gain or working out excessively are some examples of this. As a parent, when should you start being concerned and what should you do?

Most parents are happy to see their teen getting physical exercise or even eating healthfully. Changing their habits by including, for example, more fruits and vegetables, is a great idea. However, eating habits or physical activity solely focused on weight loss or controlling body image is the first warning sign.

Following are examples of behaviours to look out for regarding eating habits:

  • Regularly skipping one or more meals.
  • Going on a ‘crash’ diet that involves, for example, completely eliminating food groups (e.g. no longer eating grain products).
  • Fasting (e.g. not eating any food for several hours).
  • Being constantly preoccupied with what’s on their plate.
  • Withdrawing to eat or avoiding outings because of the food being served.
  • Using laxatives or other products that promise weight loss.

Regarding excessive exercise, generally defined as over-investment in physical activity, here are a few signs to look out for:

  • Being obsessed with working out.
  • Neglecting areas of their life that do not involve physical exercise (e.g. school, friends, leisure activities, sleep, etc.).
  • Continuing to work out even while they are sick, exhausted or injured.
  • Believing they never work out enough.
  • Over emphasizing the importance of their weight, body appearance and/or performance.
  • Suffering from more negative effects associated with the physical activity than positive effects and continuing with the exercise nonetheless.
  • Experiencing significant changes in their body and/or eating habits.

In short, eating should be fun, not a restriction, control, or an obligation. Likewise, doing a physical activity should be fun and lead to feelings of pride and accomplishment.

Did you know…

These high-risk practices may lead to serious consequences for teens who are going through a time of rapid growth. For example, teens who are on a restrictive diet may become tired, distracted, dizzy and starved. Their growth may also be affected.

Excessive exercise may cause generalized exhaustion, muscle tears and fractures. It is not unusual to see a teen combine weight-loss methods, both diet and physical activity, to reach their goals. If your teen adopts one or more of these high-risk behaviours, it is important that you see a health professional.

In general, to provide your teen with better guidance, encouraging a health body image and self-esteem is key.

To better support

* It should be noted that the following targeted approaches are also presented in the fact sheet “Body Image”.

In short

Teens who are preoccupied by their body image may adopt certain high-risk behaviours related to eating and physical activity. Eating and physical activity should focus on fun, not control, restriction or obligations.

Practical resources and tools

1. For support :

If you are concerned about a situation, do not hesitate to reach out to a support worker or a healthcare professional:

  • Info-Santé/Info-Social 811
  • Tel-Jeunes Parents
  • CLSC
  • Community organizations: family centre, youth centre, etc.

    Some community organizations offer support programs for parents of teenagers. Call your local organization for information.
  • School staff members

2. For more information :

Voici différents outils pour en apprendre davantage sur les possibilités d’activités physiques et sportives :

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