Research indicates that one-half of teenage girls and one-third of teenage boys use unhealthy weight control behaviors such as skipping meals, fasting and taking laxatives.
Teens opinion on health, weight and their bodies are influenced by their parents and doctors. When these trusted adults focus on healthy eating and physical activity teens are less likely to have eating disorders:
- Discourage dieting
- Promote balanced nutrition
- Emphasize exercising for strength
- Encourage family meals
- Don’t talk about weight
