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Lifestyle Habits for Teens Taking Weight Management Medication

Medications like GLP-1 agonists are powerful tools that can be highly effective in helping teens lose weight. However, the medication alone is not enough. Long-term success requires a real focus on healthy lifestyle habits.



Medications work by decreasing cravings and food noise, which ultimately lessens the desire to eat and helps teens feel full with less food. While this decreased intake leads to weight loss, it also creates challenges:


  • Risk of Malnutrition: Eating less increases the risk of not getting enough of the healthy, balanced nutrients teens need, especially as they build muscle mass and bone strength. Now, the primary concern is not consuming too many calories, but not getting enough nutrients from the calories consumed.

  • Loss of Muscle Mass: Fast weight loss can mean losing muscle, not just fat. Without focusing on strength training, up to 40% of each pound lost can be from muscle.

  • Re-gaining weight: If the underlying causes of initial weight gain (like stress eating or poor sleep) are not addressed, the weight gain will likely come back when the medication stops.



The Solution: Medication + Lifestyle change


The answer is simple but requires work and support: Medication plus a healthy lifestyle gives the best long-term results.


A few habits that support longterm health and wellbeing include:


  1. Protein + Strength Training 


To counteract muscle loss and promote development, your teen needs to focus on two things:

  • Increase Protein Intake: Your teen likely needs to eat more protein than they currently are, even though they are eating less food overall. Prioritize a quality protein source—like Greek yogurt, beans, or eggs—at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus a snack or two.

  • Strength Training: Eating protein without resistance training does not build muscle; you need both.


2. Focus on Food Quality


Since teens are eating small amounts of food, every bite counts. To ensure they get all the necessary nutrients, their small meals should prioritize fruits and vegetable, whole grains, and lean proteins. It's also important to have small meals throughout the day to prevent teens from feeling sick, drink plenty of water, and slowly add fiber to help with constipation.


3. Address the Root Causes of Weight Gain 


The medication offers a chance to build new, healthier habits by removing some existing barriers. Take advantage of this time to explore the challenges that led to the initial weight gain. 


Was it stress eating, skipping meals, not enough sleep, too much screen time?


These powerful medications are not "magic bullets". The best results come from working with a team that can help optimize the medication alongside these lifestyle habits:


Your team may include a doctor, a dietitian or nutrition specialist, coach, personal trainer, or exercise specialist to ensure strength training and physical activity, as well as professionals who can help with sleep management, stress management, and lifelong health skills.


If you need a team to support you, Namio Health is here. Namio offers pediatrician-powered digital health coaching and support for families who want to improve health habits, or have concerns about BMI.




 
 
 

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