Parents and Caregivers of Black Adolescents
Remember :
You and your teen are not alone in facing the challenges that their obesity may present for them and the family.
Click below for a link to an article from Connecticut Children's Hospital with the Do's & Dont's of talking to teens about weight or being overweight.
Knowing the Signs:
How do you know if your teen's weight needs to be addressed?
You will want to consider speaking to your teen if you're not already in obesity treatment, if you notices changes in some of these areas:
Physical Changes:
- Growing related health issues (prediabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea/snoring)
- Often complains of physical discomfort or decrease in mobility
- Rapidly outgrowing their clothes or large changes in weight in a short amount of time.
Mental Health / Behavioral Red Flags:
- Poor or depressed mood and negative self-talk
- Frequently talking about dieting, skipping meals, or using other ways to lose weight
- Reporting bullying about weight
- Unusual social withdrawal or isolation
Family History:
- A strong history of obesity and/or related health issues in your immediate family lineage, such as parents and grandparents
Talk with them, Not AT them
Ask your teen open-ended questions around any thoughts or feelings they may be having and behaviors they might be concerned for. This helps engage your teen and establish trust, which build healthy communication.
Re-Consider how you talk about weight and body size
Ask yourself questions like:
1. "Are you constantly saying you need to lose 10 or 15 pounds?"
2. Do you typically deal with food and exercise in terms of reward and punishment?
Think about the ways you could reframe your message, and show more acceptance for different body shapes and sizes, including your own.
Then, model healthy habits for for and with them
You may feel that your teen doesn't notice you, but the truth is they are often paying a closer attention to what you say and do than you might realize. Similar to out in society, the messaging that teens are exposed to at home is also important.
There are things you CAN do, if you are worried.
How to Know when to contact a healthcare provider:
If you notice changes and see that your teen has several of the concerns mentioned above, you may want to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation. This is typically your teens pediatrician.
Knowing Youth Healthcare Providers: A Team Approach
Your teen will need support & monitoring from a healthcare team. Learn about ptospective treatment team members below.
Medical - Physicians, Physican Assitants, Nurse Practioners, Nurses
These medical providers help monitor overall health and growth.
They may check weight trends, blood pressure, bloodwork/labs, sleep, and energy levels.
Nurses may provide education, encouragement, and follow-up support during and between visits.
The care team should listen, respect lived experiences, and avoid judgment or stigma.
Mental & Behavioral Health Clinicians
Mental and behavioral health providers support emotional well-being.
They may help your adolescent process stress, body image concerns, or experiences with bias or bullying.
Sessions can include talk therapy, coping skills, or family support when helpful.
These providers help strengthen confidence, self-esteem, and motivation.
Mental health care is an important part of whole-person obesity treatment.
Nutrition - Registered Dieticians/Nutritionists
Dietitians support nutrition in a realistic and culturally affirming way.
They may talk with your adolescent about favorite foods, family meals, and cultural traditions.
Sessions often focus on balance, nourishment, and energy — not restriction or dieting.
The adolescent may work with the dietitian to set goals that fit her lifestyle, school schedule, and household routines.
The goal is to build a healthy relationship with food.
Physical - Occupational & Physical Therapists
Physical and occupational therapists support movement and daily functioning.
They help your adolescent find enjoyable, safe ways to move her body.
Sessions may focus on strength, flexibility, stamina, or reducing pain and discomfort.
Therapists work at the adolescent’s pace and respect her abilities and goals.
Movement is framed as empowerment and well-being, not punishment.
Research shows that obese Black women face additional health risks due to social, financial, and environmental disadvantages that present as they navigate their adolescence into adulthood while being Black, female and obese.
Obesity Risks
What health risks come with being overweight or obese?
Being overweight or having obesity also includes having a higher BMI, or Body Mass Index. It can also increase the chance that your teen may develop more health problems, including:
Making lifestyle changes that include managing nutrition needs and incorporating meaningful movement into your teens' everyday life can help with obesity management and reduce the likelihood of the development of these conditions.
Are there any other health risks with being overweight or obese?
Many youth who are overweight or have obesity may experience weight-related teasing or bullying, which can affect their mental health.
For many adolescents, the emotional toll of being labeled as “obese” during a vulnerable stage of identity development can be long-lasting.
Click the link below to learn more about how to find mental health support for your teen.
Meet an adolescent medicine expert and learn more about how to work with one.
Expert Corner: Adolescent Medicine
Meet an adolescent medicine specialist & physician, Sari Benstianov, MD
Adolescent Medicine specialists are physicians with specialized training in caring for teens and young adults. They focus on physical health, mental well-being, and social development during adolescence.
Press Play to hear Dr. Bentisanov discuss the current challenges that adolescents face in receiving weight-related healthcare.
Expert Corner: Common Challenges
For Black female adolescents, challenges can arise when society, including peers, caregivers, or even healthcare providers focus on weight loss or see individuals with obesity as a "problem," and impact self esteem and confidence.
Expert Corner:
Advice for Teens & Families
Teens require significantly more support in obesity treatment, related to their age and current level of development. A team based approach is necessary to provide the supervision and guidance needed to support this population.
"Weight is just your body's relationship with gravity." - Unknown
Press Play to hear Dr. Bentisanov provide advice for families of teens managing weight-related healthcare treatment.
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