In this episode, I explain:
- Why school lunches can be a turning point for weight gain in teens
- What a major JAMA Pediatrics study found about improved school meal standards
- How small changes in the school food environment can led to improvements in BMI for more than 14,000 kids aged 5–18
- Simple ways parents and teens can team up around school lunches:
- Talking about cafeteria choices
- Packing balanced homemade lunches (even just 1–2 times per week)
- Swapping juice and sugary snacks for water, protein, fruits, and veggies
- Working with schools or PTAs to encourage healthier option
- If your teen eats at school most days and you’re worried about their weight, hormones, or energy, this episode will give you practical, realistic ideas to start using this week.
🔗 Referenced Study:
Chandran A, Burjak M, Petimar J, et al. Changes in Body Mass Index Among School-Aged Youths Following Implementation of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. JAMA Pediatrics. 2023;177(4):401–409. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.5828
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’ve created a whole new path by doing what most programs miss: balance puberty hormones naturally and create habits that actually last.
Here's what makes this different:
✅ No dieting. No calorie counting. No shame.
✅ No more food fights between parents and teens.
✅ No weight obsession—just healthy habits
✅ Real science behind how puberty hormones affect weight
✅ A safe, supportive approach that prevents eating disorders
Because when teens understand their hormones and get the right support, they don’t just lose weight—they gain strength, energy, confidence, and freedom!
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Links
30 Healthy Recipes for teens
lifestyleforteens.com/recipes
Smoothies Recipes for teens
lifestyleforteens.com/smoothies
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