How to talk to teens about weight - A guide for parents and caregivers of teenagers aged 13-19

Oct 17, 2026

A practical guide for parents and caregivers on how to start supportive, positive conversations about weight with teenagers aged 13–19. It addresses common fears about causing harm, explains why avoiding the topic is often worse, and highlights that teens may struggle to seek help. The guide emphasizes weight does not define a teen’s identity, explores obesity as a complex condition, discusses weight bias and related health risks, and provides preparation steps, example dialogue, and language guidance.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages21

Reading Time53 min

AccessFree to download

Should I talk to my teen about weight?

What can I do to prepare for the conversation?

How can I make sure I use the best language?

Should I talk to my teen about weight?

EATING DISORDERS

Should I talk to my teen about weight?

What is weight bias

Example scenario 1

What can I do to prepare for the conversation?

How to talk to teens about weight A guide for parents and caregivers of teenagers aged 13–19 This guide has been developed with inputs from obesity specialists and parents alike. This information is intended for people living with obesity and should not be substituted for medical advice from your doctor. The character and its description depicted are for representation purposes only and do not reflect real patient. Job code: HQ24OB00352 | Date of preparation: October 2024 1 Learning how to have positive conversations about weight with your teenager Contents Should I talk to my teen about weight? What can I do to prepare for the conversation? How can I make sure I use the best language? 2 Should I talk to my teen about weight? Weight is a sensitive subject. You might fear that you could do more harm than good if you talk to your teenager about their weight. Rest assured that, in most cases, it is far better to start a conversation than to avoid it. Should I talk to my teen about weight? What can I do to prepare for the conversation? How can I make sure I use the best language? 3 Should I talk to my teen about weight? It is okay to want to talk to your teen about weight At the moment, only half of teenagers feel they can discuss their weight honestly with their mum and only a third with their dad.2 Talking to your teen about weight can change their outlook on the future Should I talk to my teen about weight? What can I do to prepare for the conversation? How can I make sure I use the best language? 4 Should I talk to my teen about weight? Teens want to lose weight, but do so unsupported Two thirds of teenagers living with obesity believe weight loss is entirely their responsibility and so are unlikely to ask for help.1 In fact, over half of teens have attempted to lose weight in the past six months, which may be without their parents’ knowledge.1 At the moment, only half of teenagers feel they can discuss their weight honestly with their mum and only a third with their dad.2 Many parents and caregivers worry that talking about weight or obesity could trigger an eating disorder3,4 – but talking about weight in a supportive way is likely to have a postive impact4 EATING DISORDERS Should I talk to my teen about weight? What can I do to prepare for the conversation? How can I make sure I use the best language? 5 Should I talk to my teen about weight? Conversations about weight can help to change your child’s future Many people mistakenly believe that excess weight is caused by eating too much and not moving enough.8 However, obesity is a complex disease that is caused by a wide range of factors. These include our genes, changes in hormones, mental health and outside factors such as daily routines, access to affordable healthier food and access to support.9 • Obesity is linked to more than 200 health conditions10 • 80% of teenagers who visit a doctor to get help with their weight already have one other, serious, related health condition11 • Many people living with obesity experience weight bias,12,13 which can impact your child’s future WHAT IS WEIGHT BIAS Should I talk to my teen about weight? What can I do to prepare for the conversation? How can I make sure I use the best language? 6 Should I talk to my teen about weight? Example scenario 1: Your teenager comes to you to talk about their weight Make it clear that weight doesn’t define who they are. You could mention their character, achievements or intelligence Ask your teen if they would like support of the whole family Should I talk to my teen about weight? Ask your teen if they would like to talk to a doctor about obesity care Make it clear that they can talk to you about anything, whenever they want to talk and that you want to help What can I do to prepare for the conversation? How can I make sure I use the best language? 7 What can I do to prepare for the c

FAQs

Why is it better to start a conversation about weight than to avoid it?

Weight is sensitive, and many adults worry they could cause harm. In most cases, it is far better to start a conversation than to avoid it, because supportive discussion can have a positive impact.

What should parents and caregivers do to prepare for the conversation?

Reflect on your own feelings toward weight, be clear about your attitude, and consider how weight bias may affect your reactions. Choose a comfortable time and place, expect a range of reactions, and focus on listening.

What language or approach is recommended when a teenager brings up their weight?

Make it clear that weight does not define who they are, and you can mention strengths such as character, achievements, or intelligence. Offer family support and encourage talking to a doctor about obesity care, while reinforcing openness and willingness to help.

Oct 17, 2026

Uploaded by Rainbow Cat