Promote activity

Teens need about 60 minutes of physical activity a day — but that doesn't necessarily mean 60 solid minutes at a stretch. Shorter, repeated bursts of activity during the day can help burn calories, too.

To help get your teen moving:

• Emphasize activity, not exercise. Your teenager's activity doesn't have to be a structured exercise program — the object is just to get him or her moving. Skateboarding, jumping rope or dancing can be great for burning calories and improving fitness.
• Find activities your teenager likes. If your teenager is artistically inclined, go on a hike to collect leaves for a collage. If he or she likes a physical challenge, try a climbing wall. Is your teenager into reading? Walk or bike to the neighborhood library for a book.
• If you want an active teenager, be active yourself. Find fun activities that the whole family can do together. Never make exercise seem like a punishment or a chore. Let each family member take a turn choosing the activity of the day or week. Consider batting practice, bowling or swimming. What matters is that you're doing something active.

Consider setting limits on your teen's screen time, too. Too much or poor quality screen time has been linked with obesity. Or encourage your teen to use technology to track his or her activity level.