Let’s just make this clear first and foremost.
We at Year13 firmly believe beauty and wellbeing comes in all shapes and sizes.
Nevertheless, there may be reasons why your teen might be keen on dropping a few kilos.
For example, they might want or need to improve their physical health.
But trying to lose weight safely during puberty can be a challenge.
Experts say dieting during growth spurts can impact physiological development, while also increasing the risk of your teen developing disordered eating habits.
So what better way to shed the extra KGs than by taking up a new sport, which studies show also help boost teens self-esteem, build confidence and improve overall wellbeing?
We checked some of the science and put together a list of ten sports for accelerating weight loss that teens of all fitness levels could find fun.
- Swimming: 458 calories per 30 active minutes
- Touch footy: 449 calories per 45 minute game
- Netball: 449 calories per 45 minute game
- Basketball: 449 calories per 45 minute game
- HIIT: 444 calories per 30 active minutes
- Running: 394 calories per 30 active minutes
- Oztag: 345 calories per 30 active minutes
- Rock climbing: 320 calories per 30 active minutes
- Lawn bowls: 168 per 45 active minutes
- Volleyball: 168 per 45 active minutes
(Sources: Urban Rec & Virtua Health)
While this list might be a good starting point, experts recommend making sure you give “honest thought” to your teen’s abilities, strengths and temperament to help them find a good match.
“Some kids are afraid of the ball, so they don’t like softball or volleyball but may enjoy an activity like running. If your child is overweight, he or she might lack the endurance to run, but might enjoy a sport like swimming,” Mary L. Gavin (MD) wrote for KidsHealth.
“Maybe a child who doesn’t have the hand-eye coordination for baseball has the drive and the build to be a swimmer, a runner, or a cyclist. The idea of an individual sport also can be more appealing to some kids who like to go it alone.”
The important thing, says Gavin, is to be open to your teen’s interests.
“That can be tough if, for instance, you just loved basketball and wanted to continue the legacy. But by exploring other options, you give your child a chance to get invested in something he or she truly enjoys.”
