Lifestyle and Weight Loss For Teens

Can tracking your steps really help you reach a healthier weight? In this episode, Dr. Jenny Gourgari breaks down the science behind step goals for teens. She shares a major study that pinpoints the magic number for teens: 10,000–12,000 steps a day.

You’ll also learn 10 creative ways to reach your daily step goal.

This episode is a must-listen for any teen or parent who wants to build healthy habits without stress or pressure.

I’m Dr....

In this episode, Dr. Jenny Gourgari dives into five common myths about belly fat in teenagers—from sit-ups and detox teas to the truth about carbs and hormones.

 Discover what actually works to reduce belly fat safely and naturally during puberty. 

Perfect for teens and parents who want real answers, not quick fixes.

I’m Dr. Jenny Gourgari—pediatric endocrinologist, certified in obesity medicine and a health coach.
After helping ...

In this episode, I share 10 simple but powerful ways for teens to stay motivated while building healthy habits. 

From morning routines and accountability to small rewards and positive self-talk, you’ll learn exactly how to keep going—even when it’s hard.

I’m Dr. Jenny Gourgari—pediatric endocrinologist, certified in obesity medicine and a health coach.
After helping hundreds of teens struggling with their weight and hormones, I’...

What should you do if your family keeps bringing home pizza, chips, and soda while you’re trying to eat healthier?

In this episode, Dr. Jenny Gourgari shares 10 real-life strategies that teens can use to stay on track—even if their family isn’t on the same page (yet).

✅ How to start a supportive family conversation
 ✅ Grocery shopping swaps that work
 ✅ How to create a healthy snack station just for you
 ✅ Fun ways to get...

In this episode, Dr. Jenny Gourgari talks about something many teens struggle with—comparing themselves to others on social media. She shares 10 practical strategies to protect your peace, reduce self-sabotage, and use social media in a healthier way. You’ll learn how to spot toxic content, set boundaries, build self-worth, and focus on your own progress.

Listen now and take back your confidence.

I’m Dr. Jenny Gourgari—pediatric endo...

Feeling frustrated that your healthy eating and workouts aren’t paying off? You’re not alone. 

In this video, I share 10 ways teens can stay motivated even when the scale doesn’t move.

 From non-scale wins to habit trackers, learn how to build long-term results that stick.

I’m Dr. Jenny Gourgari—pediatric endocrinologist, certified in obesity medicine and a health coach.
After helping hundreds of teens struggling with their weigh...

Summer break is here… and so is the boredom snacking. In this episode, I explain why teens often eat out of boredom and what to do about it. 

You’ll learn how dopamine plays a role in food cravings and how to use 10 simple strategies—like “urge surfing,” boredom busters, and structured meal times—to feel better without snacking all day. 

Small habits = huge results!

I’m Dr. Jenny Gourgari—pediatric endocrinologist, certified in obesit...

Not all breakfasts are created equal—and cereal, toast, and juice might not be the best start to your teen’s day. In this episode, Dr. Jenny Gourgari shares her top 5 favorite high-protein breakfast ideas for teens, explains why protein and fiber matter, and offers simple prep tips for busy mornings.

 🎧 Plus, check out past episodes on skipping breakfast (Ep 35), 

choosing healthy carbs (Ep 41), a

nd how much protein teens need ...

Does your teen head to the pantry when they’re stressed, bored, or sad? You’re not alone. In this episode, Dr. Jenny Gourgari breaks down why emotional eating is common in teenagers, how puberty hormones (like cortisol, estrogen, and leptin) play a big role, and what parents can do to help without shaming or controlling.

You’ll learn:

• Why late-night snacking may be about feelings, not hunger
• How hormone shifts drive cravings
• The ro...

One of the teenagers I work with asked me, “Does smoking help you lose weight?”
It’s a common myth—and the science says no.

In this episode, I dive into a powerful study of over 1,000 teenagers that looked at the connection between smoking, weight loss attempts, and nutrition. What it found is shocking: many normal-weight teenage girls who tried to lose weight were twice as likely to start smoking.

🚭 You’ll learn:

• Why this m...

In this episode, I’m sharing 15 powerful ways you can support your teen’s health journey—without sounding like you're nagging them. Every time you remind them to eat better or get moving and they roll their eyes... I get it! It's frustrating when you're trying to help but it feels like you're being tuned out.

I’ll walk you through small communication shifts that can lead to big results, like:

• What to say inste...

Should teens count calories to get to a healthy weight? It sounds like a smart plan, but for growing bodies and developing minds, it's more complicated than it seems.

In this episode, I walk you through:

• The pros and cons of calorie counting in teens
• Real-world examples from my work with adolescents
• What the research actually says about tracking calories
• When it might help—and when it might harm
• What to try instead: like the pla...

n today’s episode, I answer a question many parents feel awkward asking: Can boys grow breasts during puberty? The answer is yes—but there’s more to the story.

We'll break down:

• What causes puffy nipples in boy and when it’s totally normal
• When breast development in boys needs a doctor’s evaluation
• How extra weight can affect hormones like estrogen and testosterone
• What to do if your teen feels embarrassed to take off his shirt
• ...

Are you wondering if exercise can help hunger hormones in teens? 

How much cardio is really enough for teenagers? 

Can too much cardio mess with puberty hormones? In this episode, I break down:

• What the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 
• The difference between moderate and vigorous activity 
• How cardio impacts hormones like leptin and insulin 
• Creative ideas to help your teen move more — even if they hate the gym 
• How overtrai...

It’s one of the most common—and least talked about—questions I get from teenage boys and their parents.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the real science behind penis size, puberty, and weight gain. You’ll learn the difference between a buried penis (when fat tissue hides the penis) and a truly small penis, and why many boys worry unnecessarily during puberty.

I also explain:

• When penis size actually changes (hint: it doesn’t be...

In this week’s episode I break it all down:

💉 Which injections are FDA-approved for teens

📊 What the research actually shows (hint: 70% of teens saw results—but lifestyle mattered too)

⚠️ Common side effects you need to know

⏳ And what happens when you stop taking the medication

I’m Dr. Jenny Gourgari—pediatric endocrinologist, certified in obesity medicine and a health coach.
After helping hundreds of teens strugg...

In this episode, I’m answering a question I hear all the time from teens and their parents: Are weight loss pills safe for a 14-year-old? 

I explain the difference between prescription medications and over-the-counter pills, what the risks are, and why healthy habits matter most. 

If you’ve been wondering about weight loss medications for teens, I break it all down for you in simple, clear language.

I’m Dr. Jenny Gourgari—pediatric en...

In this episode of Lifestyle and Weight Loss for Teens, I’m answering one of the most common questions I hear: “How much weight can I lose in a week or in a month?”

The answer might surprise you! I’m breaking down what the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends for healthy weight loss in teens, why fast weight loss can actually hurt your metabolism, and how small, consistent changes can lead to long-term success. I’ll also share ...

In this episode, I’m talking about something we don’t talk about enough—how food affects your mood. Teenagers often struggle with stress, low energy, and feeling down. But did you know that what you eat can play a big role in how your brain functions?

I break down 5 powerful ways that food affects mental health, share key nutrients like folate, magnesium, and omega-3s that help your brain, and explain what foods to eat more of (and ...