Lifestyle and Weight Loss For Teens

Are the weight loss struggles of your teen linked to something deeper than diet and exercise? I  explore the complex relationship between insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, abnormal lipid profiles, and how these factors compound the difficulty of achieving a healthy weight during puberty's hormonal turbulence.This episode also brings to light a pivotal study: Bergström E, Hernell O, Persson LA, Vessby B. Insulin resistance syndrome in adolescents. Metabolism. 1996 Jul;45(7):908-14. doi: 10.1016/s0026-0495(96)90168-7. PMID: 8692030.Dr Gourgari is a pediatric endocrinologist, certified in obesity medicine expert and weight loss coach for teens with more than 15 years of experience. She helps teens build healthy habits that last, so they can feel happier, be more confident and love their body again .To get a free copy of 30 healthy and easy recipes for teens that are high in protein, visithttps://lifestyleforteens.com/recipesTo learn more about the LIFT Program, visit lifestyleforteens.com/program

I hear a lot from teens that they want to improve their belly fat. Is this possible?Yes it is!! It is actually a great thing to do, not only so that teens can look more beautiful but also because less belly fat helps decrease the inflammation in the body.In this episode, I talk about research that was done to investigate the above. Listen to learn more.Title of the manuscript: Visceral fat decreased by long-term interdisciplinary lifestyle therapy correlated positively with interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor–α and negatively with adiponectin levels in obese adolescents. By Fábio Santos Liraa et al Metabolism Clinical and Experimental 60 (2011) 359–365Dr Gourgari is a pediatric endocrinologist, certified in obesity medicine expert and weight loss coach for teens with more than 15 years of experience. She helps teens build healthy habits that last, so they can feel happier, be more confident and love their body again .To get a free copy of 30 healthy and easy recipes for teens that are high in protein, visithttps://lifestyleforteens.com/recipesTo learn more about the LIFT Program, visit lifestyleforteens.com/program

In the comprehensive Health and Behavior in Teenagers Study (HABITS), valuable insights were gathered from 4,320 students, with an average age of just under 12 years. This research sheds light on an important aspect of our children's lives: how stress influences their eating habits. Title of manuscript: Stress and Dietary Practices in AdolescentsArticle in Health Psychology · July 2003 Martin Cartwright, Jane Wardle, Naomi Steggles, Alice E. Simon, Helen Croker, and Martin J. JarvisListen to learn moreDr Gourgari is a pediatric endocrinologist, certified in obesity medicine expert and weight loss coach for teens with more than 15 years of experience. She helps teens build healthy habits that last, so they can feel happier, be more confident and love their body again .To get a free copy of 30 healthy and easy recipes for teens that are high in protein, visithttps://lifestyleforteens.com/recipesTo learn more about the LIFT Program, visit lifestyleforteens.com/program

In this episode  I discuss why teenagers decide to get to a healthier weight and how we, as caretakers and supporters, can help maintain that flame of motivation. We're not just talking about health; we're addressing the spectrum of desires from seeking peer acceptance to gearing up for significant life events. Listen to learn the 17 distinct motivations driving teens toward a healthier lifestyle. Details of the research manuscript that gave the answer to this question: Motivations for weight loss in adolescents with overweight and obesity: a systematic review. David Franciole Oliveira Silva1, Karine Cavalcanti Maurício Sena-Evangelista2, Clélia Oliveira Lyra2, Lucia Fátima Campos Pedrosa2, Ricardo Fernando Arrais3 and Severina Carla Vieira Cunha Lima2Dr Gourgari is a pediatric endocrinologist, certified in obesity medicine expert and weight loss coach for teens with more than 15 years of experience. She helps teens build healthy habits that last, so they can feel happier, be more confident and love their body again .To get a free copy of 30 healthy and easy recipes for teens that are high in protein, visithttps://lifestyleforteens.com/recipesTo learn more about the LIFT Program, visit lifestyleforteens.com/program

Have you ever wondered why keeping muscle mass is key to a teen's healthy weight loss journey? I'm here to share with you essential insights on how a balanced approach to exercise can safeguard your child's muscle mass as they work to lose those extra pounds. This journey isn't just about outward appearances – it's deeply connected to maintaining hormonal balance and optimal cardiovascular health, essential pillars for lifelong health.In this episode, we dive deep into the significance of muscle in regulating insulin sensitivity and offer practical tips that teens can apply to stay healthy. Dr Gourgari is a pediatric endocrinologist, certified in obesity medicine expert and weight loss coach for teens with more than 15 years of experience. She helps teens build healthy habits that last, so they can feel happier, be more confident and love their body again .To get a free copy of 30 healthy and easy recipes for teens that are high in protein, visithttps://lifestyleforteens.com/recipesTo learn more about the LIFT Program, visit lifestyleforteens.com/program

Could breakfast be the hidden key to your teen's weight management success? Join me, as I uncover the truth behind the science of breakfast and its impact on adolescent weight. Many parents wrestle with their teens over the morning meal, armed with good intentions but lacking clarity on whether enforcing breakfast can actually aid their child's health. As a dedicated advocate for nurturing healthy habits in young people, I break down the complex relationship between skipping breakfast and weight outcomes. Whether you're a mom on a mission to assist your teen's weight loss journey or a listener keen on understanding the nuances of nutrition for adolescents, this podcast is your research-backed compass, pointing the way to informed decisions about your teen's diet and well-being.Dr Gourgari is a pediatric endocrinologist, certified in obesity medicine expert and weight loss coach for teens with more than 15 years of experience. She helps teens build healthy habits that last, so they can feel happier, be more confident and love their body again .To get a free copy of 30 healthy and easy recipes for teens that are high in protein, visithttps://lifestyleforteens.com/recipesTo learn more about the LIFT Program, visit lifestyleforteens.com/program

Could your teen's stubborn weight issues be linked to an underlying thyroid problem? It's a question that many parents have. We're looking beyond the scale and into the science, with insights from a research study that shed light on this topic ,  on how thyroid medication actually affects weight  in children with low thyroid.Dr Gourgari is a pediatric endocrinologist, certified in obesity medicine expert and weight loss coach for teens with more than 15 years of experience. She helps teens build healthy habits that last, so they can feel happier, be more confident and love their body again .To get a free copy of 30 healthy and easy recipes for teens that are high in protein, visithttps://lifestyleforteens.com/recipesTo learn more about the LIFT Program, visit lifestyleforteens.com/program

Are your teenagers grabbing for sport and energy drinks as their go-to refreshers? Before you let them gulp down these beverages, join me as I go over  a clinical report by the American Academy of Pediatrics . It has been archived now but I find the content of this report very helpful. The views I present here do NOT represent the views of American Academy of Pediatrics.  I clarify the difference between sport and energy drinks. Hydration and a balanced diet are key to adolescent health, and we'll emphasize why water still reigns supreme and how electrolyte replenishment drinks may not be as necessary as advertised. Don't forget to always consult your family doctor before making any major changes in your teen's diet.Here is the manuscript :THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS| CLINICAL REPORT| JUNE 01 2011 Sports Drinks and Energy Drinks for Children and Adolescents: Are They Appropriate?  Committee on Nutrition and the Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness Pediatrics (2011) 127 (6): 1182–1189.Dr Gourgari is a pediatric endocrinologist, certified in obesity medicine expert and weight loss coach for teens with more than 15 years of experience. She helps teens build healthy habits that last, so they can feel happier, be more confident and love their body again .To get a free copy of 30 healthy and easy recipes for teens that are high in protein, visithttps://lifestyleforteens.com/recipesTo learn more about the LIFT Program, visit lifestyleforteens.com/program

Imagine the mental weight lifted from the shoulders of our adolescent girls once they realize that they are more than the images they see on the internet. I present a study conducted in Australia, which sheds light on how constant exposure to the internet and social media fuels teenagers' discontent with their body weight and amplifies their quest for perceived thinness. These platforms promote unrealistic beauty standards and can increase body weight dissatisfaction, primarily due to the comparisons teenagers make between their own lives and the ones they see online.Tune in to learn more about this study and what you can do to help avoid this. Dr Gourgari is a pediatric endocrinologist, certified in obesity medicine expert and weight loss coach for teens with more than 15 years of experience. She helps teens build healthy habits that last, so they can feel happier, be more confident and love their body again .To get a free copy of 30 healthy and easy recipes for teens that are high in protein, visithttps://lifestyleforteens.com/recipesTo learn more about the LIFT Program, visit lifestyleforteens.com/program

Are you ready to experience the joy of the holiday season without the guilt of overindulgence? I used to get sad and stressed out with Holidays season because I always ended up with some extra weight. I learned over the years a few tips and I wanted to share some ideas that might help you enjoy your holidays without the regret.So, let's enjoy our holidays to the fullest, without guilt and sadness. Even if we end up with some extra weight, it is still OK. Happy Holidays !Dr Gourgari is a pediatric endocrinologist, certified in obesity medicine expert and weight loss coach for teens with more than 15 years of experience. She helps teens build healthy habits that last, so they can feel happier, be more confident and love their body again .To get a free copy of 30 healthy and easy recipes for teens that are high in protein, visithttps://lifestyleforteens.com/recipesTo learn more about the LIFT Program, visit lifestyleforteens.com/program

Are we inadvertently fostering eating disorders in teenagers striving for a healthy weight?  I present here a study that followed 97 teenagers aged 14-18 over a year, looking at the impact of a program on their insulin resistance, liver fat percentage, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and eating behaviors. A comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to teen weight loss—one that promotes overall healthy habits and lifestyle changes instead of solely focusing on weight may be the key to this transformation.Dr Gourgari is a pediatric endocrinologist, certified in obesity medicine expert and weight loss coach for teens with more than 15 years of experience. She helps teens build healthy habits that last, so they can feel happier, be more confident and love their body again .To get a free copy of 30 healthy and easy recipes for teens that are high in protein, visithttps://lifestyleforteens.com/recipesTo learn more about the LIFT Program, visit lifestyleforteens.com/program

Looking to understand more the reality behind your child's fast food habits and its impact on their health?  I dive into a research study by Dr. Bowman, assessing the effects of fast food consumption on the energy intake and diet quality among thousands of children.  We'll explore how this fast food frenzy has taken a toll on our children's health, increasing not only their caloric intake but also sabotaging their diet quality by diminishing their consumption of healthier food options. The accessibility of fast food in our communities, including schools and after-school activities  is so alarming. Teenagers are consuming more fast food options than younger children, and it's vital we understand why to promote better habits. You'll gain perspective on how these unhealthy meals skyrocket daily caloric intake and how it affects the overall eating habits. Shanthy A. Bowman, Steven L. Gortmaker, Cara B. Ebbeling, Mark A. Pereira, David S. Ludwig; Effects of Fast-Food Consumption on Energy Intake and Diet Quality Among Children in a National Household Survey. Pediatrics January 2004;Dr Gourgari is a pediatric endocrinologist, certified in obesity medicine expert and weight loss coach for teens with more than 15 years of experience. She helps teens build healthy habits that last, so they can feel happier, be more confident and love their body again .To get a free copy of 30 healthy and easy recipes for teens that are high in protein, visithttps://lifestyleforteens.com/recipesTo learn more about the LIFT Program, visit lifestyleforteens.com/program

Imagine the profound impact if we could disentangle body satisfaction and self-esteem among our teenagers? Dr Gourgari presents research that was done to explore the crucial link between body image and self-esteem amongst our youth. "Body Image and Self-Esteem Among Adolescent Girls: Testing the Influenceof Sociocultural Factors. Daniel Clay et al "Dr Gourgari is a pediatric endocrinologist, certified in obesity medicine expert and weight loss coach for teens with more than 15 years of experience. She helps teens build healthy habits that last, so they can feel happier, be more confident and love their body again .To get a free copy of 30 healthy and easy recipes for teens that are high in protein, visithttps://lifestyleforteens.com/recipesTo learn more about the LIFT Program, visit lifestyleforteens.com/program

Ever wondered how overall movement, screen time, and sleep contribute to a teenager's overall health? We go over into the 24-hour movement recommendations for kids, drawn from a great study in the Journal of Pediatric Obesity. This episode takes you through the science of these recommendations and sheds light on their relationship with unhealthy weight indicators in young ones. The title of this research manuscript is: Are 24-hour movement recommendations associated with obesity-related indicators in the young population? A meta-analysis. José Francisco L opez-Gil et al Dr Gourgari is a pediatric endocrinologist, certified in obesity medicine expert and weight loss coach for teens with more than 15 years of experience. She helps teens build healthy habits that last, so they can feel happier, be more confident and love their body again .To get a free copy of 30 healthy and easy recipes for teens that are high in protein, visithttps://lifestyleforteens.com/recipesTo learn more about the LIFT Program, visit lifestyleforteens.com/program

What if the very diets teenagers follow to lose weight are the culprits behind weight gain and unhealthy eating habits? We're shaking things up with an in-depth exploration of a groundbreaking study that turns conventional dieting wisdom on its head. But it's not just about exposing the dark side of teenage dieting. So forget the dieting myths you've heard - we're starting a new conversation about achieving a healthier lifestyle.Dr Gourgari is a pediatric endocrinologist, certified in obesity medicine expert and weight loss coach for teens with more than 15 years of experience. She helps teens build healthy habits that last, so they can feel happier, be more confident and love their body again .To get a free copy of 30 healthy and easy recipes for teens that are high in protein, visithttps://lifestyleforteens.com/recipesTo learn more about the LIFT Program, visit lifestyleforteens.com/program

Do you ever wonder if your child's weight could be impacting their mental health? Dr Gourgari presents a fascinating study from Sweden detailing how excess weight can potentially lead to mental health issues in youngsters.   Why does this happen?  If we know why, we can potentially address these underlying factors and help children be in a better mental state.  The title of the research that is presented is "Anxiety and depression in children and adolescents with obesity: a nationwide study in Sweden", Lindberg et al. BMC Medicine (2020) 18:30 Tune in to uncover the science behind safe weight loss for teens and understand the mental health challenges they could face.Dr Gourgari is a pediatric endocrinologist, certified in obesity medicine expert and weight loss coach for teens with more than 15 years of experience. She helps teens build healthy habits that last, so they can feel happier, be more confident and love their body again .To get a free copy of 30 healthy and easy recipes for teens that are high in protein, visithttps://lifestyleforteens.com/recipesTo learn more about the LIFT Program, visit lifestyleforteens.com/program

It can be difficult for families to go  in person to multiple appointments to address the weight concerns they have for their children. Especially after the COVID pandemic, more people started developing online programs for weight management for both adults and children. The question is : Do these virtual telehealth programs work? Are they at least equally effective as the in person visits ? Here is one study that tried to answer this question: The study I present is called " Comparison of a Telehealth-Based Intensive Treatment Program with a Rewarding App vs. On-Site Care for Youth with Obesity: A Historical Cohort Study"Hope you enjoy this episode!Dr Gourgari is a pediatric endocrinologist, certified in obesity medicine expert and weight loss coach for teens with more than 15 years of experience. She helps teens build healthy habits that last, so they can feel happier, be more confident and love their body again .To get a free copy of 30 healthy and easy recipes for teens that are high in protein, visithttps://lifestyleforteens.com/recipesTo learn more about the LIFT Program, visit lifestyleforteens.com/program

Parents often express concerns about their children's extra weight and may even dismiss it, believing that it's a phase they will eventually outgrow. But what does the science say about this issue? In this podcast episode, we'll dive into the insights from a fascinating scientific study . This study followed thousands of children from their early years into adulthood to investigate the long-term consequences of childhood weight and whether kids truly "outgrow" extra weight.Here is the study I will present:  Prediction of Adult Class II/III Obesity from Childhood BMI: The i3C ConsortiumInt J Obes (Lond). 2020 May Dr Gourgari is a pediatric endocrinologist, certified in obesity medicine expert and weight loss coach for teens with more than 15 years of experience. She helps teens build healthy habits that last, so they can feel happier, be more confident and love their body again .To get a free copy of 30 healthy and easy recipes for teens that are high in protein, visithttps://lifestyleforteens.com/recipesTo learn more about the LIFT Program, visit lifestyleforteens.com/program

Many of us associate summer with outdoor activities and healthier living, but research suggests that this isn't always the case. In this podcast,  we will explore more the reasons behind summer weight gain in teens, its impact on their health, and practical strategies for parents to help their children maintain a healthy lifestyle year-round.This is a review study  that I present here "The State of the Summer, A Review of Child Summer Weight Gain and Efforts to Prevent It," published in Current Obesity Reports in 2018. Dr Gourgari is a pediatric endocrinologist, certified in obesity medicine expert and weight loss coach for teens with more than 15 years of experience. She helps teens build healthy habits that last, so they can feel happier, be more confident and love their body again .To get a free copy of 30 healthy and easy recipes for teens that are high in protein, visithttps://lifestyleforteens.com/recipesTo learn more about the LIFT Program, visit lifestyleforteens.com/program

Want to learn more about how to control the  cravings during teen years?Here is a tip: Sleep better! I present the research below: "Associations of Sleep with Food Cravings, Diet, and Obesity in Adolescence Nutrients 2019, 11, 2899; doi:10.3390/nu11122899"Hope you find this helpful!Dr Gourgari is a pediatric endocrinologist, certified in obesity medicine expert and weight loss coach for teens with more than 15 years of experience. She helps teens build healthy habits that last, so they can feel happier, be more confident and love their body again .To get a free copy of 30 healthy and easy recipes for teens that are high in protein, visithttps://lifestyleforteens.com/recipesTo learn more about the LIFT Program, visit lifestyleforteens.com/program