As parents, your role in supporting your teen's health goes far beyond helping them dissect false advertising and is about a lot more than just focusing on weight. Here's what you can do to encourage a healthy lifestyle for your teens and help them develop positive, life-long habits. 

Flip the nutrition narrative.

Teach your teens that what they eat isn't just about the numbers on a scale—it's about feeling amazing inside and out. Instead of obsessing over how much they weigh, help them focus on  what  they put into their bodies. Guide them toward an understanding on how the right foods can fuel their bodies to help them get the energy and confidence they need to take on the world.

Become a healthy eating model.

Your health and wellness are important, too, and you’re trying to feel your best by eating right... right? So why not make your plates look irresistible to your teens by including a colorful assortment of fruits, veggies, and other healthy options that will have them asking, "Hey, what is that? Can I try some?" Your kids learn from you, and modeling consistent healthy eating habits early will help them  maintain these habits  as adults.

Get ready to sweat.

From lacing up those running/hiking shoes and going on an outdoor adventure to spontaneous dance parties in your living room, getting some exercise is a great way to get your body into shape – and it does not have to be a chore. Make it fun for your teens to help engage them in physical activities that will burn calories in ways that speak to them and their interests.  

Scrolling with more confidence.

While some people advise pulling the plug on social media use altogether, any parent with a teen knows this is not a realistic option. Instead, let’s help your teen get scrolling smart. Teach them about the advertiser’s tricks used to get you to buy something (i.e. taking this will cause you to lose “x” amount of weight in a week). And when it comes to influencers, make sure they know and trust the source before thinking about using a product they are promoting. At the end of the day, you can help build your teen’s confidence to spot what’s bogus versus what’s a legitimate and credible ad or product.  

Talk about body image. 

Although you cannot prevent your teen from being exposed to unrealistic body images and ideals through media messaging, supporting your teen’s mental health and talking to them about body image are two of the most important things parents can do. 

As adults, it's easy to forget what it was like to be a teenager. Some ideas may seem obvious to you. For example, your body does not reflect your self-worth. But don't assume your teens also think that way. 

Teach them about body confidence and shift the narrative from 'thinner is better' to 'healthy and active is what matters.' Teens and adolescents can be more open-minded than you think, especially if you treat them respectfully and address these issues early.

If your teen or someone you know needs support about their body image or is suffering from an eating disorder, talking to a therapist or getting a personalized meal plan from a dietician are great solutions. But make sure to always consult a healthcare professional to learn about all treatment options. 

For more information, visit any of the nationally recognized organizations dedicated to education and helping those with eating disorders:

• Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC)
• Academy for Eating Disorders (AED)
• The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness
• National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)
• The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD)