Quick weight loss for teens

Teenagers who are overweight tend to suffer from psychological issues too. So when trying to help them with a weight loss program, certain things need to be taken into account.

Motivation

Don't push the teen towards a slimmer lifestyle. Teenagers are not easily pushed around. Force generally creates an equal and opposite force (just ask any science teacher). Teenagers, more than adults, need positive motivation. They need to be sold the dream and to actively engage in the idea of achieving and having the outcome. Preview any weight loss program you are considering and scan for any negative "pressure" selling or hard motivational talk. Also beware of programs that promise false hopes. The teenager will not be loved more, or respected more just because they are slim. It may happen, but it is not be be expected or promised.

Role models

Parents should maybe take a good look in the mirror and consider if they are good role models for weight loss. If you're slim and always have been, then be ready for the "you don't know what its like" response. Do you know anyone who has succeeded who could help out here?
If you are yourself overweight, then frankly maybe you should consider doing this together as a family. Teenagers need role models to guide and lead then into better lifestyle choices. It is your responsibility as a parent to be a role model wherever possible.
Take a look at the diet programs on offer. Do the experts walk the talk? Are they suitable role models, or do they have suitable case studies that your teen could relate to?

Environment

Any cookies in the cupboard? Loosing weight is hard enough without having temptation close at hand. if getting your teen into new eating habits means the whole family goes on a healthy diet then so be it. Many people don't even realize that what is bad for your kids is also bad for you. Maybe it doesn't show so much on you, But the bad food choices are equally harming your health.
Take a good look at your friends, and more importantly your teens friends. How do they shape up? Are they role models or are they bad examples? Be especially aware of those people that would try to demotivate your teen, just because of their own feelings of inadequacy. You need to control the environment as much as is practical so that your teen achieves their goal first time round.

Health issues

Take medical advice - from your family doctor AND, if possible, from a dietitian or health councilor. These experts have seen it all before and their insights will be invaluable. Even if there are some seemingly overwhelming health issues - anyone can improve their health and lose weight... ANYONE.

How fast to lose the fat?

So how quick should you take the diet. How quickly can a teen lose weight. Well the rule of thumb is that about 1 pound a week is fine. For a teen you really should aim for quick weight loss (within the safe limits), so that the successes come quickly and provide extra momentum and boost the teen's self belief that they can win this battle.
Many adults do it though perseverance, but this quality is not so abundant in teens. I suggest fast and safe weight loss backed up with permanent changes in diet and lifestyle. Get the teen more active and unhook them from junk food.

Diet plan check points

Preview any diet program before unleashing it on your kids. Check that the program is congruent with your needs:
The teenager is innocent. Their weight predicament is due to external forces for which they are not responsible. Does the diet plan agree with this?
Love, acceptance and happiness come from inside. These things can be achieved without diet. Losing weight is for health, not for acceptance from your peers. Does the diet plan agree with this?
Some friends will try to hold you back. It's their fear of losing you. Reassure them that you're not going away, just your fat is leaving! Is this point covered in the program?
At the end of the diet what happens next? Does the diet also lead the dieter into a new lifestyle? Is the new lifestyle suitable to your family's situation?
Supplements. Just say no. Even if they could help (very few can), this is a journey for the teen where they are going to discover that they have the power to shape their own life. That needs to be done without any artificial enhancements. Supplements generally have the habit of stealing the glory when you succeed and keeping their distance when you fail. Let the glory of the success be the teenager's and theirs alone.

Finally

Love and acceptance should come before the fat is lost. Don't wait until your child is ideal weight before you express your feelings. That would send a terrible message to the child. If you are not already on excellent terms with your teen - get to work on that right away.