100 Tools and Resources to Help Your Obese Teen
Over 60% of American adults are overweight or obese and it has spread to 13% of our children. With numbers rising and expected to continue doing so, parents can now turn to the internet for help. Below are the 100 best sites, support, podcasts, recipes, fitness, and more designed for obese teens, their siblings, and the entire family.
Best Websites to Help Your Obese Teen
Visit here first for online communities, fitness, diet, health, and much more.
- 1. Spark Teens: This site is designed just for teens and has support teams, an online community, nutrition tools, fitness tips, and much more. Best of all, it’s absolutely free and there are even resources for parents and teachers.
2. TeensHealth: This site has a ton of information on the health of teenagers. In addition to food, fitness, and recipes, you can also get expert information on a variety of other issues effecting teens.
3. Jillian Michaels: Formerly overweight herself, Jillian is now a trainer on “The Biggest Loser.” Her website has loads of resources for the obese, including a free weight loss plan, workout tips, and much more.
4. Weight Watchers: Women, men, and teens can find a great deal of help on this leading weight loss site. Membership is only $5.00 a week, or you can get resources on the site for free such as recipes, a community, and how to find a meeting in your area.
5. iVillage: The diet and fitness section has many resources for obese teens and their families. You can read loads of expert articles, join the active forums, watch a video, get recipes, and so much more.
6. Jenny Craig: Similar to Weight Watchers, members can receive all sorts of help for weight loss. There are also other useful tools available at no charge such as a progress tracker, healthy recipes, an online journal, and even free webisodes.
7. WebMD: The Healthy Eating & Diet Center of this leading site has many resources for obese teens and their families. You can read expert articles on kids with weight issues or avoiding the freshman 15. There is even a food and fitness planner, BMI calculator, diet health check, portion size, and even a database containing nutrition on over 37,000 foods.
8. eDiet: Another online diet community, they also have free resources for those looking to lose weight. Visit the motivation station, see how writing can increase weight loss, or listen to one of their podcasts.
9. Teen Weight Loss Club: Take the weight loss quiz, set your goals, and start up your log book on this site designed just for overweight and obese teens. You can also join the community, start a blog, or read the FAQ section.
10. Mike Ray’s Weight Loss: As seen on the Lifetime Channel, this diet utilizes the VEEP plan in which you forget calories and grams. There are even free tools such as expert advice on night eating, stress eating, 10 meals that burn fat, and 70 superfoods in one.
11. Body Positive: With a special section for children and teens, there is useful advice on this website. You can get information on medical vs. self esteem concerns, making parents allies, bullying, and more.
12. FitDay: Over 4 million members have taken advantage of the diet and fitness tools of this website. The free version gives members a daily calorie counter, weight loss goals, detailed nutrition, and long term diet analysis.
Best Television to Help Your Obese Teen
If your obese teen is having trouble finding others going through the same things, have them watch one or all of the below to see that they are not alone and get some useful information along the way.
- 13. The Biggest Loser: Couples: This reality show had obese contestants losing weight in just a matter of weeks. View full episodes or clips of this inspiring show on Hulu. There is also a discussion board where you can learn more.
14. Ruby: Another reality show, Ruby is a 487 pound woman struggling with obesity. The show chronicles her first steps towards a more healthy lifestyle. You can view clips of the show on Hulu, or get more information.
15. Healthy Appetite: The Food Network and Ellie Krieger show teens and families how to prepare nutritious and tasty meals. Clips of current recipes include whole wheat pancakes, chicken parmesan, and many more.
16. Dance Your Ass Off: Similar to The Biggest Loser, this is a show in which obese contestants lose weight by dancing. Clips of the show include the contestant’s perspectives, weight loss tips, and more.
17. Dr. Phil: This talk show has showed people all over the world how to lose weight. On the website, you can get resources such as a readiness test, five steps to your weight loss goal, and an FAQ section.
18. Work Out: This show follows the happenings at one of the leading gyms in the nation. It is also full of professional work out tips.
19. Fat March: In this reality show, obese contestants were given ten weeks to walk 500 miles across the U.S.A. Get more information in this clip or click on related videos.
Best MTV Resources to Help Your Obese Teen
The MTV series “True Life” features 40 minute documentaries on an array of issues effecting teenagers. See the ones geared towards obese teens below.
- 20. I’m Obese: Three young people struggle with obesity in this classic episode filmed in 2004. Get a short clip of this episode and links to other related resources.
21. Sexy and Plus Sized: These obese teens and young people say they are happy to be fat. See the ups and downs of this lifestyle by watching this episode. Not for younger teens.
22. I Can’t Stay Thin: This show deals with the frustrating reality of any teen who has gone on a diet and failed. Adam and Kinsey struggle to lose weight and keep it off through occasionally dangerous diets.
23. My Whole Life is a Diet: In this episode of True Life, three teens go on extreme diets to lose weight. See how Amber, Cory, and Kelly struggle to gain the perfect body.
Best Books to Help Your Obese Teen
Priced at $2.00 to $15.00, these books are a sound investment in your teen’s health. Parents who are also obese can get help with these books.
- 24. Ultimate Weight Solution for Teens: Dr. Phil, and his son Jay, show teens the seven keys to weight freedom. Starting at $14.51, the book includes a survey with 10,000 teenagers and debunks many of the myths surrounding weight loss.
25. The Diet for Teenagers Only: If you’re an obese girl aged 13 to 19, this is the book for you. It costs $14.78 and has multiple recipes, weight loss strategies, and straight talk about food.
26. Dr. Susan’s Girls-Only Weight Loss Guide: Dr. Susan gathered an advisory panel of a dozen girls and has extensive knowledge of behavioral management of obesity. In this book she shows teen girls how to take control, teaches them about genetics, eating disorders, and exercise.
27. Weight Loss Confidential: How Teens Lose Weight, Keep it Off, and What They Wish Parents Knew: The author of “Thin for Life” turns her expertise toward helping overweight teens and their parents adopt proven strategies for weight loss. She is a dietician who had an overweight teen and tells you how he and 104 teens successfully lost weight.
28. Weight Loss Confidential Journal: Week by Week Success Strategies for Teens from Teens: Sick of hearing about weight loss from adults? Then grab $10.20 and this book to get help from teens who used to be overweight.
29. Rescuing the Emotional Lives of Overweight Children: Learn what obese teens and children go through because of their weight by reading this book. Dr. Rimm is a leading psychologist and outlines how to coach your child or teen to success in their weight loss.
30. Children and Teens Afraid to Eat: Formerly obese teens or their siblings may develop an eating disorder in their quest to lose weight. Find out how to avoid this, along with the warning signs in this book.
31. Overcoming Childhood Obesity: If your obese teen started out as an obese child or has a younger sibling going down the same path, take a look at this book. New books start at $5.00, it outlines strategies for improving nutrition, decreasing fast foods, increasing activity, and eating together as a family.
32. Conquering Childhood Obesity for Dummies: For only $15.00 parents and children who need a simple guide to losing weight will enjoy this book. It contains kid friendly activities, over 30 recipes, and tips on how to find professional support.
33. The Ultimate Weight Solution: This book is ideal for older teens or if they have parents who are also obese. Dr. Phil’s original weight loss book is still a popular choice and there are many other weight loss tools by him such as a food guide and recipe book.
34. Underage and Overweight: America’s Childhood Obesity Epidemic: Starting at around $2.00, this book shows the startling trend of obesity in the U.S. for both adults and children. More than a diet and exercise plan, this book encourages families to promote a more active lifestyle and provide healthier food choices, rather then prescribing aerobics and limiting portions.
Best Foods to Help Your Obese Teen
In order for teens to lose weight, families have to rethink their shopping habits. Check out the below sites for the best options at your grocery store.
- 35. Kashi: Anyone looking to lose or even maintain a healthy weight will enjoy the tasty and nutritious food from Kashi. Their website has more information on food, a wellness hub, and even challenges for the individual or entire family.
36. South Beach Living: Teens who want to lose weight while eating pizza will enjoy these foods. The website even has promotional offers, recipes, and information on all of their other foods.
37. Whole Foods Market: If you have an obese teen and a sizeable wallet, this is the store for you. Free resources on this site include many popular recipes including black bean burgers, mango/avocado salad, and whole grain muffins.
38. Slim Fast: Teens and families looking to lose weight can learn more about Slim Fast products and even get special offers off the website. You can also get a free weight loss tools, an online community, and even help from registered dieticians and advisors.
39. Atkins: These products are ideal for those who consume too many carbohydrates. Get information on products, recipes, or even join the community for free.
40. Amy’s: This line of natural and organic foods is designed for vegetarians, but obese teens can accelerate their weight loss as well. Learn about the different products available for all three meals and you can even get information on various diet plans such as gluten free and vegan.
41. Arnold Natural Breads: A common component of weight gain and diabetes, throw out your white bread and grab one of these natural, whole grain breads. You can also get recipes, a section for mom, and even a kid’s corner.
42. Horizon Organic: This dairy manufacturer actually has low fat chocolate organic milk to help your teen lose weight. You can also find other products, recipes, and tips for raising organic kids.
43. Eggland’s Best Eggs: See why these eggs are a constant leader in the fight to lose weight. You can also get recipes and use the nutrition section to see how they stack up to regular eggs.
44. BOCA Foods: Teens can lose weight with the help of these soy products easily and deliciously. They have products for every meal, use no meat, and they all contain fat fighting soy.
45. Laura Scudder: Teens don’t have to give up peanut butter with the help of this product. Made from all natural ingredients, there is even a reduced fat variety and helpful recipes.
46. Garden of Eatin: Have your teen switch out their greasy, fat laden potato chips for one of these. You can get recipes, place an online order, and the black bean variety is recommended.
47. Late July: These organic snacks will keep your teen satisfied between meals. The vanilla bean with green tea cookie is ideal for those who love Oreo’s.
48. Breyer’s: These all natural ice creams are an ideal substitute for the sugar riddled others. The low fat varieties are perfect for obese teens and you can even get healthy recipes on the site.
49. Applegate Farms: Lose weight while eating hot dogs with the help of these products. They have many healthy options for hot dogs, sandwiches, and more.
50. R.W. Knudsen: Have a teen who loves soda? Then get them to switch to these high nutrition, low sugar juices to have them lose weight the healthy way.
51. Eat This, Not That: Still confused about what to buy? Then visit this site with tons of resources such as 14 best meals under 500 calories, 20 unhealthiest drinks, and 14 health foods that aren’t.
Best Recipes to Help Your Obese Teen
Now that you have healthy food, it’s time to start cooking. Get recipes for everyday of the year by visiting these sites and even have your obese teen join in and learn how to prepare a low fat and tasty meal.
- 52. The Food Network: Get a ton of healthy and easy recipes on this site or as a video. Recent entries include oven-fried chicken, baked macaroni and cheese, and a black and white angel food cake.
53. Delicious Decisions: Sponsored by the American Heart Association, families can find a ton of recipes on this site and even tips for a no-fad diet. Popular recipes include mushroom quesadillas and turkey tetrazzini.
54. Healthy Living: The folks at Kraft provide a free guide with tons of recipes for those trying to lose weight. You can also get tools for healthy living, recipes for those with diabetes, and even a section on healthy desserts.
55. Starkist: Tuna is an inexpensive and delicious way for the whole family to lose weight. Tasty recipes on this site include quesadillas, wraps, and salmon spinach salad.
56. Channel 4: The home of many world renowned chefs, including Gordon Ramsay, has many gourmet recipes with a healthy perspective. Recent entries include salmon and ginger fishcakes, chicken with mango salad, and even a top ten superfoods.
57. Foodies: The Bravo channel is home to such shows as “Top Chef” and has a massive recipe database. You can search for recipes with dietary needs in mind such as low fat, diabetic, vegan, and more. There are even kid friendly recipes to choose from.
58. Oprah Winfrey: She has made no secret about her struggles with weight and can be an inspiration to your teenager. Often visited by top chefs, you can find their healthy recipes and much more on the site.
59. LIME: Healthy living with a twist, you can get tons of recipes and videos on eating well with superfoods. There are even healthy lifestyle quizzes such as “are you a snack smart parent?”
60. The Diet Channel: Thinking about starting one of the trendy diets for your teen? Get the facts beforehand and more resources on this site.
Best Support to Help Your Obese Teen
The below sites are ideal for overweight teenagers to connect with others, get expert advice, and have someone else to talk to when fighting with their parents.
- 61. Go Trybe: This online fitness community is where children and teens get active, learn about health, and connect. Make an avatar, find a buddy, and parents can even join as a “trybal elder.”
62. TeenHealthFX: This site is an online resource especially designed for teenagers on their health, relationships, and body. Teens can view the anonymous questions, search for answers, or contribute a thought of their own.
63. Teen Growth: Visit here for a ton of resources on the health of teenagers including a winner’s weight corner. Teens can get food facts, body trivia, or even send in a question to the panel of board certified doctors.
64. Teen Health and Wellness: Rosen Publishing Online provides students with support and self-help on nutrition, fitness, mental health, family life, and more. You can view sample topics, sign up for a free 30 day trial, or learn more about joining.
65. Diet Talk: This site believes that desire, dedication, determination, and discipline lead to success. Nearly 2,000 members have posted over 700,000 items, and the site also provides weight loss tips.
66. Go Ask Alice!: A division of Columbia University, she answers many common questions on the issues effecting teens and families. Browse through the tons of questions on fitness and nutrition, or send in your own question.
67. My Calorie Counter: In addition to the free online diet journal, you can join the active forums. There are also interesting facts on restaurants such as Taco Bell, Starbuck’s, McDonald’s, and many others.
68. Teen Health: This Australian based site is dedicated to creating healthy teens. You can learn about exercise, nutrition, diabetes, and more on this site.
69. Teen Hut: Teens who need advice or just want to chat can come here. You can also register for a free account that includes photos, games, and journals.
70. Wellsphere: A quick search on this site turns up a ton of answers on teenage obesity. Get expert articles, advice, and even videos on topics such as teen bypass surgery and obese pregnancy.
Best Medical Sites to Help Your Obese Teen
These sites are written by health professionals, pediatricians, and others dedicated to the health of children and teenagers.
- 71. Keep Kids Healthy: An expert pediatrician provides free expert advice on a range of topics, including obesity. There is even a section called Trim Kids which is a proven twelve week plan to help children achieve a healthier weight.
72. American Academy of Pediatrics: They are committed to the health of infants, children, and adolescents, including the obese. You can find interesting and helpful articles such as prevention and treatment of childhood obesity, high blood pressure in children, and diabetes.
73. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development: This organization is a leading research center on the diseases that effect children. Resources for obese teens include a why, how, and where database of resources.
74. The Obesity Society: Founded in 1982, this is the leading scientific society dedicated to the study of obesity. Education tools include a practical guide, live learning center, and obesity online.
75. Childhood Obesity: Developed my The Mayo Clinic, this online guide is ideal for parents. It outlines the causes, risks, complications, treatments, and more of obesity in children and teens.
76. Obesity in Children and Teens: The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry has a special section for obesity. Get the definition, causes, risks, and even links to recommended readings.
77. Master in Public Health: This pediatrician specializes in nutrition for children. Read his blog to get entries on obesity, health, and much more.
78. Dr. Gwenn Is In: She is a mother and pediatrician who blogs and has her very own podcast. Check in with her to get help for your obese teen and many other kid related issues.
Best Fitness to Help Your Obese Teen
An important component to fighting obesity is activity. See how teens, kids, and even their parents can lose weight with these top fitness sites.
- 79. Women’s Health: Moms and overweight teenage girls will find many useful weight loss resources here. Get tips for workouts, motivation, and you can even join the Belly Off! Club.
80. Men’s Health: Older teens and their dads can find a ton of workouts designed for them. Get a variety of workouts, expert advice, food tips, and more.
81. Seventeen: This leading magazine is especially designed for teen girls and even has a section on fitness. Girls can get workouts customized just for them, including videos and food tips.
82. Tone Teen: A fitness resource, it is dedicated to the fitness of teens and kids. There are many resources on getting teenagers into shape, and you can even enter one of their many contests.
83. Fit Kids: This North Carolina organization has developed workouts just for kids. Get activities such as the alphabet relay, videos, and even resources for teachers.
84. Medem: Just pick your teen’s age range and go. The site will give you a guide on realistic expectations and tips for the whole family.
85. What’s Your Fitness Personality?: Younger teens and kids can take this free online quiz to find the workout that’s best for them. At the end, they are offered practical suggestions on a personalized workout routine.
86. Pilates for Teens: This simple, yet effective workout can be done in the comfort of your own home. This site has many useful exercises, some of which have instructional videos.
Best Fitness Podcasts to Help Your Obese Teen
Teens with an iPod can utilize these useful weight loss podcasts, or download them onto your computer to listen to them as a family.
- 87. Fitness Rocks: This podcast aims to get the entire world into shape. You can get tips on a variety of workouts, even for those who are overweight or obese.
88. Healthy Catholic: This award winning podcast shows you how to lose weight and stay healthy with the spiritual perspective in mind. Father Roderick shows families how to train, eat, and pray.
89. Inside Out Weight Loss: Certified hypnotherapist and life coach Renee Stephens shows adults, teens, and kids how to lose weight. Recent episodes were on simple snoozing strategies and how to gain money while losing weight.
90. Web Design Degree: Learn which exercises are the best, what foods to eat, and staying focused on permanent weight loss with the help of Bailey, a former obese teen techie. Recent posts were on changing habits, incorporating technology into fitness, and more.
91. Geek Fit: Teens who are overweight and have some geek in them will appreciate these podcasts. Get a ton of fitness tips and even a few tips for and from the overweight.
Best Programs to Help Your Obese Teen
Ready for some outside help with your obese teen? Then check out these camps and programs designed for teens. Some even have options for overweight adults.
- 92. Wellspring Camps: With locations all over the country, there just might be a camp near you. In addition to their summer camps, you can also get year round programs, adult camps, and many other tools on this site.
93. Camp Shane: This camp is where people, activities, camp grounds, and nutritional guidance combine. The camp has been featured on numerous television shows and you can get a few free resources such as a blog and nutrition help by visiting their site.
94. New Image Camp: Seen on MTV, this is an experienced summer weight loss camp for kids and teens. Learn more about the camp including dates and rates.
95. Camp Kingsmont: This is New England’s premier co-ed weight loss camp. In addition to learning more about the camp, you can get resources on childhood obesity, nutrition, and even camp recipes.
96. Camp La Jolla: Located in California, this camp shows how kids how to lose weight while at the beach. They have programs for all ages and genders, and even something for adults thirty and over.
97. Camp Pocono: Located just 90 minutes from New York City and Philadelphia, this weight loss camp is 350 private acres. It helps children and teens realize their weight loss goals while enjoying activities.
98. We Can!: Ways to Enhance Children’s Activity and Nutrition is a national program designed for families and communities to help children maintain a healthy weight. There are currently 1,085 programs across the country and you can join up online.
99. Media Smart Youth: This is an interactive after-school education program for young people ages eleven to thirteen. Learn more about the program, get pilot sites, and more information.
100. Live in Fitness Enterprise: Those looking to lose weight the extreme way will want to look into this California boot camp. The site lists the various programs, meal plans, pricing, and more.
Be sure to consult your doctor before starting your teen or yourself on any diet or fitness plan. Although these top 100 resources for obese teens is helpful, it cannot take the place of a professionally trained physician.
