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Lifestyle and Weight Loss For TeensEp. 75 Is Your Teen Stress Eating? Here’s What to DoDoes 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 hungerHow hormone shifts drive cravingsThe role of parental modeling in emotional eatingSimple tools to help your teen develop better coping skills🎧 Want to learn how to op...2025-07-2314 minLifestyle and Weight Loss For TeensEp.74 Does smoking help teenagers lose weight?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 myth is so common among teenagersWhat the data says about smoking, BMI, and weight lo...2025-07-1610 minLifestyle and Weight Loss For TeensEp. 73 How To Talk About Healthy Habits To Your Teen!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 instead of “Why didn’t you exercise today?”How to time your advice so they’ll actually listen75 real-life examples you can use today!✨ G...2025-07-0915 minLifestyle and Weight Loss For TeensEp 72. Should Teens Count Calories to Lose Weight?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 teensReal-world examples from my work with adolescentsWhat the research actually says about tracking caloriesWhen it might help—and when it might harmWhat to try instead: like the plate method and habit trackingWhether you're a teen, a parent, or someone who supports adolescents, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and practical tools. Le...2025-07-0219 minLifestyle and Weight Loss For TeensEp. 71 Puffy Nipples in Boys: Is it Fat or Hormonal ?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 normalWhen breast development in boys needs a doctor’s evaluationHow extra weight can affect hormones like estrogen and testosteroneWhat to do if your teen feels embarrassed to take off his shirtWhat lifestyle changes can helpTeenage boys go through big hormonal shifts too—and they deserve compassion, understanding, and good info. Tune in to l...2025-06-1813 minLifestyle and Weight Loss For TeensEp. 70 Can Exercise Reset Your Teen’s Hunger Hormones?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 overtraining can harm metabolism, especially in teen girls I’m Dr. Jenny Gourgari—pediatric endocrinologist, certified in obesity medicine and a health coach. After hel...2025-06-1116 minLifestyle and Weight Loss For TeensEp. 69 Does Weight Gain Make the Penis Smaller in Teen Boys?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 before puberty!)Why extra belly fat can make the penis look smallerWhat to do if your t...2025-06-0410 minLifestyle and Weight Loss For TeensEp. 68 Weight Loss Injections for Teens: What Every Parent Should KnowIn 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 medicationI’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 hormon...2025-05-2810 minLifestyle and Weight Loss For TeensEp. 67 Are weight loss pills safe for teens?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 endocrinologist, certified in obesity medicine and a health coach. After helping hundreds of teens struggling with their weight and hormon...2025-05-2112 minLifestyle and Weight Loss For TeensEp. 66 How Much Weight Is Safe for a Teen to Lose in a Month?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 why having the right kind of support can make all the difference.🎯 Safe, sustainable, and realistic—that’s what we’...2025-05-1410 minLifestyle and Weight Loss For TeensEp. 65 The Food-Mood Link: Why Teens Feel Up, Down, and All AroundIn 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 what to skip). Plus, I review a research study published in the American Journal of Public Health that shows...2025-05-0714 minLifestyle and Weight Loss For TeensEp. 64 Are Carbs Really Bad for Teens Who Want to Lose Weight ?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 carbsWhy cutting carbs too much can actually hurt your healthEasy swaps that make a big impactHow to still enjoy pizza, chips, and even soda wi...2025-04-3013 minLifestyle and Weight Loss For TeensEp. 63 Smoothies for Teen Weight Loss: Good or Bad?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 balancedHow to sneak veggies into smoothies without the “yuck” factorPlus, I’m giving you a free gift 🎁 👉 Download my Smoothie Recipe Guide with 15 easy, tasty recipes for teens!https://lifestyleforteens.com/smoothiesI’m Dr. Jenny Gourgari—pediatric endocrinologist, cert...2025-04-2311 minLifestyle and Weight Loss For TeensEp. 62 Can Video Games Help Teens Lose Weight?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 AEffects of Active Video Games on Health-Related Physical Fitness and Motor Competence in Children and Adolescents With Overweight or Obesity: Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisJMIR Serious Games 2021;9(4):e29981URL: https://games.jmir.org/2021/4/e29981DOI: 10.2196/29981I’m D...2025-04-1612 minLifestyle and Weight Loss For TeensEp.61 Ultra-Processed Foods: The Hidden Reason Behind Belly Fat in TeensIn 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 to weight gainHow these foods affect your gut, hormones, and cravingsAnd simple swaps you can make today for better energy, healthier weight, and a happier bellyThis...2025-04-0912 minLifestyle and Weight Loss For TeensEp.60 Is Screen Time Silently Hurting Your Teen’s Liver?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/newsletterI’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...2025-04-0311 minLifestyle and Weight Loss For TeensEp. 59 Does Drinking More Water Actually Help Teens Lose Weight?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 hydration boosts energy and makes movement easier ✔️ A fun theory on how cold water might slightly boost metabolism ✔️ Simple ways to in...2025-03-2612 minLifestyle and Weight Loss For TeensEp. 58 Being Happy with Me: Teen Body Changes and Self-LoveIn 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 Introduction and Personal Story00:53 Understanding Puberty and Body Changes03:36 The Impact of Unhealthy Weight04:41 The Importance of Self-Compassion07:03 Research Insights on Body Image...2025-03-1917 minLifestyle and Weight Loss For TeensEp.57 The Sleep-Sugar Link: What's Happening to Teens?This podcast episode explores the relationship between sleep duration and insulin resistance in teenagers, building on previous discussions about insulin resistance during puberty. It highlights the importance of teenagers getting the recommended 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night and presents statistics showing that 70-80% of U.S. teenagers fail to meet this requirement. Two key studies are discussed: one showing that advanced puberty stages are linked to reduced sleep duration, and another indicating that teenagers sleeping less than six hours have higher levels of insulin resistance.Practical tips are provided to help teens gr...2025-03-1209 minLifestyle and Weight Loss For TeensEp. 56 Understanding Insulin : How a Teen's Body Handles SugarIn this episode I focus on the hormone insulin and its significant role in regulating blood sugar levels and weight. I explain how insulin resistance can develop due to high carbohydrate intake and excess weight gain, leading to potential diabetes. I also discuss the body's insulin response variations with different body shapes and I emphasize the importance of maintaining a healthy weight to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Finally, I offer practical tips for teenagers to improve their insulin resistance through lifestyle changes, noting that these changes can help prevent diabetes and ensure a healthier pancreas.00:00...2025-03-0516 minLifestyle and Weight Loss For TeensEp.55 How puberty hormones affect weight gain in teensWhat Happens During Puberty?Puberty is a time when teenagers go through a lot of changes in their bodies and inside because of big hormonal shifts.Listen to Understand Puberty: External and Internal ChangesI’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...2025-02-2715 minLifestyle and Weight Loss For TeensEp.54 Hungry or Bored Teens? Learn the DifferenceIn this episode, I talk about boredom eating in teenagers and ways to stop it.I explain the role of hormone dopamine in beating boredom with food. I teach teens how to identify true hunger versus boredom. 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 differen...2025-02-1217 minLifestyle and Weight Loss For TeensEp. 53 The ideal breakdown of carbs, fats, and proteins for TeensIn this episode, I discuss how many calories teenagers need based on their activity levels. I provide general guidelines from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the American Academy of Pediatrics. I emphasize choosing healthy foods over strict calorie counting and explain the ideal breakdown of carbs, fats, and proteins. I also advise caution with restrictive diets like keto for teens. Parents are urged to consult a dietitian for personalized advice and focus on making small, manageable changes.https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/nutrition/Pages/A-Teenagers-Nutritional-Needs.aspx...2025-02-0512 minLifestyle and Weight Loss For TeensEp. 52. How much proteins do teens need?In this podcast episode I answer common questions about protein requirements for teenagers, detailing recommended intake based on age and activity level as per the American Academy of Pediatrics. I discuss various protein sources, favoring whole foods over protein powders, and highlights the importance of protein for growth, muscle development, hormone production, and satiety. Learn how to calculate your protein needs and plan meals accordingly.01:10 Understanding Protein Needs for Teens01:44 Calculating Protein Requirements04:31 Sources of Protein10:40 Importance of Protein for Teenagers15:25 Conclusion and Next Steps2025-01-2918 minLifestyle and Weight Loss For TeensEp. 51 How to Create Sustainable Healthy Habits for TeensIn this episode I discuss strategies to achieve healthy habits in 2025.00:59 Setting Goals for a Healthier 202502:41 Focusing on One Goal at a Time05:26 Identifying and Replacing Triggers09:05 Building Consistent Healthy Habits11:50 Teenagers and Habit Formation13:13 Dealing with Setbacks17:20 Final Thoughts and Encouragement17:47 Invitation to the Lift ProgramI’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 doi...2025-01-2219 min
The StressFreeMD PodcastHow to LIFT Teens with Dr. Jenny GourgariThe CE experience for this Podcast is powered by CMEfy - click here to reflect and earn credits.On this episode we have the wonderful Dr. Jenny Gourgari:PediatricianEndocrinologistObesity MedicineHost: Lifestyle and Weight Loss for Teens PodcastWellness coach for teens who struggle with weightShe shares:Personal difficulty as a teen with unhealthy habits50 million children and teens have weight issues in the USAThe tell-tale signs a teen is struggling with weightMultiple causes of teen weight gainHer methods to create effective behavior changes in teens and parentsThe power of communication and life skill education 2024-11-1932 minLifestyle and Weight Loss For TeensEp.50 How Teaching Teens to Cook Can Improve Their Eating HabitsCan teaching teens to cook be the key to a healthier lifestyle? In this episode, I discuss how a 10-week experiential cooking and nutrition program significantly boosted cooking skills and vegetable consumption among school students. Learn how these essential skills, from reading recipes to safely using kitchen tools, can set the foundation for lifelong healthy eating habits. Manuscript: An Experiential Cooking and Nutrition Education Program Increases Cooking Self-Efficacy and Vegetable Consumption in Children in Grades 3–8 by Elizabeth Jarpe-Ratner et alI’m Dr. Jenny Gourgari—pediatric endocrinologist, certified in obesity medicine and a health c...2024-09-2509 minLifestyle and Weight Loss For TeensEp.49 How a school curriculum helped teens boost their body satisfaction.Could understanding your body's natural changes during puberty help you love yourself more? Imagine reducing the urge for cosmetic surgery just by tweaking your mindset! A study from South Korea implemented a school curriculum focused on teaching teens to appreciate their bodies. By educating them on normal bodily changes, the effects of hormones, and the pitfalls of social media, they boosted their body satisfaction and self-esteem.Title of manuscript:BodyThink program-based body image education improves Korean adolescents’ attitudes toward cosmetic surgery: randomized controlled trial. Sung et al. BMC Nursing (2023) 22:481I’m Dr. Je...2024-09-1809 minLifestyle and Weight Loss For TeensEp. 48 Why Teens Have Big Appetite Despite High Leptin (Thin Hormone)Ever wondered why teenagers seem perpetually hungry despite having high levels of the "thin" hormone leptin? Discover the complex interplay between hormones and appetite during puberty in today's episode of the Lifestyle and Weight Loss for Teens podcast. I talk about the thin hormone "leptin"—its role in signaling fullness, how its levels fluctuate differently in boys and girls during puberty, and the curious phenomenon of leptin resistance that leaves many teens struggling with increased appetites.I’m Dr. Jenny Gourgari—pediatric endocrinologist, certified in obesity medicine and a health coach. After helping hundreds of teens strugg...2024-07-2412 minLifestyle and Weight Loss For TeensEp. 47 Weekend Catch-up Sleep and Teen's Eating HabitsAs a mother, I know how tempting it is to let your teenager catch up on sleep over the weekend, but I've learned through research that this habit may be influencing their eating behaviors in ways we never expected. Tune in to learn more about the complex relationship between poor sleep, hormonal changes, and cravings that challenge the common notion of 'catching up' on sleep.Associations ofWeekday and Weekend Sleep with Children’s Reported Eating in the Absence of Hunger. Nutrients 2019, 11, 1658; doi:10.3390/nu11071658I’m Dr. Jenny Gourgari—pediatric endocrinologist, certified in obesity medicin...2024-06-1909 minLifestyle and Weight Loss For TeensEp.46 Weed Use in Teens and Weight GainEver wonder if teenage habits can shape adult health? That family debate about whether marijuana contributes to weight issues just got a whole lot more interesting. Tune in to learn more about the findings of a pivotal study published in the Addict Behavior Journal, which tracked over 5,000 adolescents into early adulthood. Association between Adolescent Substance Use and Obesity in Young Adulthood: A Group-based Dual Trajectory AnalysisDavid Y.C. Huanga, H. Isabella Lanzab, and M. Douglas AnglincI’m Dr. Jenny Gourgari—pediatric endocrinologist, certified in obesity medicine and a he...2024-06-1212 minLifestyle and Weight Loss For TeensEp.45 School Lunch and Weight Gain in TeensAre school lunches helping your teen's health journey? Join me as I discuss more the impact of a la carte menus and vending machines on adolescent eating habits. The Association of the School Food Environment With Dietary Behaviors of Young Adolescents, American Journal of Public Health | July 2003, Vol 93, No. 7I’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...2024-06-0510 min