[originaltext] Weight loss is a tricky topic. Lots of people are unhappy wit

Weight loss is a tricky topic. Lots of people are unhappy with their present weight, but most aren’t sure how to change it —and many would be better off staying where they are. You may want to look like the models or actors in magazines and on TV, but those goals might not be healthy or realistic for you. So what should you do about weight control?
    Being healthy is really about being at a weight that is right for you. The best way to find out if you are at a healthy weight or if you need to lose or gain weight is to talk to a doctor or dietitian. He or she can compare your weight with healthy norms to help you set realistic goals. If it turns out that you can benefit from weight loss then you can follow a few of the simple suggestions listed below to get started.
    Weight management is about long-term success. People who lose weight quickly by crash dieting or other extreme measures usually gain back all (and often more) of the pounds they lost because they haven’t permanently changed their habits. Therefore, the best weight management strategies are those that you can maintain for a lifetime.
    Suggestion one: make it a family affair. Ask your mom or dad to lend help and support and to make dietary or lifestyle changes that might benefit the whole family, if possible. Teens who have the support of their families tend to have better results with their weight management programs. But remember, you should ail work together in a friendly and helpful way —making weight loss into a competition is a recipe for disaster!