Lifestyle and Weight Loss For Teens

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 ...

In this episode, I answer a question I get all the time from teens I work with: “Are carbs bad if I’m trying to lose weight?”

The short answer? No, carbs are not the enemy!
In fact, your body needs carbs—especially during puberty—to grow, to have energy, and to keep your hormones balanced.

I’ll walk you through:

• The difference between whole food carbs and processed carbs
• Why cutting carbs too much can actually hurt your health
• ...

Smoothies are popular—but are they actually helpful for teens trying to reach a healthy weight?

In this episode, I share:

• What makes a smoothie healthy (and what doesn’t!)
• Research showing how smoothies boosted teen fruit intake from 4% to 45%
• The perfect formula for a smoothie that keeps teens full and balanced
• How to sneak veggies into smoothies without the “yuck” factor

Plus, I’m giving you a free gift 🎁
 👉 Download my ...

In this episode ,I  breaks down the science behind active video games. 

Learn how movement-based games can support teen’s journey to a healthier weight—and what really matters for long-term success.

Research mentioned in this episode: 

Comeras-Chueca C, Marin-Puyalto J, Matute-Llorente A, Vicente-Rodriguez G, Casajus J, Gonzalez-Aguero A

Effects of Active Video Games on Health-Related Physical Fitness and Motor Competence in Children a...

In today’s episode i break down what ultra-processed foods are—and why they matter more than you think. I reviews a  2025 study from Pediatric Obesity that shows a strong link between ultra-processed food intake and increased belly fat, higher BMI, and hormonal imbalances in teens.

You’ll learn:

• What counts as ultra-processed food (hint: it’s more common than you think!)
• Why even “healthy-looking” snacks like protein bars can lead...

In this episode I discuss the impact of excessive weight on liver function in teenagers. I talk about liver inflammation and potential liver problems. 

A recent study  linked excessive screen time with increased risk of liver fibrosis in adolescents. 

Tune in to learn more and dont forget to sign up for my weekly newsletter at https://lifestyleforteens.com/newsletter

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

In this episode, I talk about the science behind water and weight loss. I’m sharing  a  study that analyzed 13 different research papers and found that teens who drink more water tend to maintain a healthier weight over time.

🔹 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✔️ How drinking more water can help reduce calorie intake without effort
✔️ Why we sometimes mistake thirst for hunger and how to fix it
✔️ How proper hydrat...

In this episode, I discuss about  body image issues faced by teenagers, sparked by a teen's story involving concerns over exercise due to body shame. There are physical and emotional changes during puberty that contribute to body image problems. 

 Self-compassion and acceptance,rather than the weight itself, influences body image. 

I present some practical tips for promoting self-love and strategies for building self-love. 

00:00...