The Ultimate Weight Solution for Teens

by Jay McGraw

Weight issues are one of the leading causes of teen depression.
Since you are reading the back of this book, I'm guessing that you picked it up because you relate, at least in some way, to some of the following
I can't stand my body!
I don't know how to lose weight!
The other kids always make fun of me and call me fat!
I hate myself!

Well, I have some good news for you. Actually, I have some great news. By picking up this book, you have taken the first step to deciding to do something about your weight and your self-image. This book will give you the answers to the many problems that you have been facing. And it will give you a plan for dealing with those problems. And I will go through it all with you. Now get psyched! You are about to begin one of the most life-changing experiences of your life. -- JAY MCGRAW, FROM THE INTRODUCTION

As Jay McGraw says, The Ultimate Weight Solution for Teens is a book that will change lives. Weight issues are one of the leading causes of teen depression, and The Ultimate Weight Solution for Teens is being published at a time when weight is the top issue in so many teens' lives. Inspired by the enormous success of the #1 bestselling The Ultimate Weight Solution by Dr. Phil McGraw, Jay McGraw has written a book that deals with the specific issues teens face when it comes to weight matters. It's hard enough to be a teen, it's even harder to be an overweight teen. No one knows that better than the young people who suffer the teasing and name-calling that seem to resonate daily through their school halls. But what do you do when your friends are scarfing pizza and cheese fries and you're trying to lose weight? With this book, Jay addresses this and other problems in a way that they have never been addressed before -- in a way that actually works! Just as he did in his bestselling books Life Strategies for Teens and Closing the Gap, Jay talks directly to teens and young adults in a way to which they can relate. Jay gets it and he knows how to give it to them straight. The result is a book that can do what teens all over have been looking for -- a way to totally transform their bodies, minds, and lives.

Genres: Health, Self Help

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Jay Phillip McGraw (born September 12, 1979 in Wichita County, Texas) is the son of Phil McGraw of The Dr. Phil Show and Robin McGraw. He has one younger brother, Jordan (a musician). He has written several books aimed at young people. He has also appeared on The Dr. Phil Show.

McGraw is President and CEO of Stage 29 Productions in Los Angeles, a company he co-founded with his father. He has served as Executive Producer on several prime-time "Dr. Phil" specials. He appeared as host of Renovate My Family, which aired on Fox.

McGraw attended Greenhill School and he is a graduate of the University of Texas, receiving a B.S. in Psychology. He earned his law degree from Southern Methodist University. He is executive producer of the TV series "The Doctors."

McGraw wed Playboy model Erica Dahm at his parents' home in Beverly Hills. A reception for 400 guests followed the ceremony at the Beverly Hills Hotel. In March 2010, Dahm gave birth to the couple's first daughter, Avery Elizabeth. In April 2011, McGraw and his wife announced they were expecting their second child in September 2011.

Reviews

[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are told that 'Weight issues are one of the leading causes of teen depression.' If you are looking for a way to change lifestyle in order to manage your weight, The Ultimate Weight Solution for Teens may be just what you need. It's not a diet, but rather provides seven keys to help you succeed with weight issues. 'This book is for teens who want to manage their weight and get in shape - but without resorting to crash diets or trying to get thin thighs in two weeks.'

This is the third book written by Jay McGraw, the 24-year-old son of Dr. Phil McGraw. Like his father did with the adult Ultimate Weight Solution, Jay has done extensive research into cutting edge science relating to weight. He also surveyed 10,000 teens to get their perspective on weight management. The first section focuses on body image, with a quiz to help identify problem areas. Quiz results suggest appropriate steps to change unhelpful thinking or actions. Then it's time to set measurable, attainable goals. Step-by-step instructions are geared towards a realistic weight - not a weight that looks good on a model, or even on your best friend, but one for you.

Next, the seven keys to weight freedom are outlined. Key One, 'Right Thinking,' tests and challenges thought patterns that may sabotage weight management. Key Two, 'Healing Feelings,' discusses emotional aspects that can lead to uncontrolled eating. Key Three, 'A No-Fail Environment,' looks at how surroundings and situations can lead to overeating. Key Four, 'Mastery Over Food and Impulse Eating,' gets to the heart of habits and the payoffs experienced from eating on impulse. Key Five, 'Jay's Portion Power Plan,' is essential to making correct food choices. Portion sizes, sample meals, checklists, and action plans are included here to encourage success in nutritional choices.

Key Six, 'Intentional Exercise,' helps the reader get in shape and get moving, with ideas for scheduling activity into each day. Key Seven, 'Your Circle of Support,' recommends a support system of friends and family that will encourage you to continue with healthy choices, even when you get discouraged. Finally, a chapter is included for those who may have an eating disorder; definitions and a modified plan are given for those circumstances. Throughout the book, quotes, letters, e-mails, and questions from teens are included to emphasize certain points. My seventeen-year-old daughter found these examples encouraging and uplifting. She likes the fact that nothing in the book preaches or tells the reader what 'you must do ...' Multiple ideas and suggestions are given for each key, which allows individuals to adapt to their own lifestyle.

If you are ready to do something about your weight and the way you feel about yourself, I highly recommend The Ultimate Weight Solution for Teens. Get busy and make a lifestyle change that will affect your health and energy for the rest of your life.

[Natasha McNeely · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ultimate Weight Solutions for Teens is Jay McGraw's attempt at turning his father's adult-focused book into a version that teenagers would be able to understand. He did well in changing things around and toning down the language to a level that most teenagers would be willing, or able, to read.

The book follows 7 steps that are meant to help teenagers lose weight. Personally, I've heard many of these 7 steps before, but the exercises and explanations the author provides are a good way for teenagers to take a step back and look at themselves - what they eat, how they exercise, how often they exercise, etc.

This non-fiction book is a useful tool for teenagers wanting to lose weight and willing to broaden their horizons and open up to new ideas and changing things in their lives, that could help that process.

I'd recommend this to anyone who wants to take a look at yet another non-fiction book meant to help in the weight loss process. A lot is common knowledge, but having it on paper, along with the helpful exercises, is worth the price.

[Anthony Colozza · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I first saw this book I though this guy isn't a nutritionist or doctor and doesn't really have any credentials that would make me believe that he has some kind of weight loss solution that is credible. But after reading the book that is really not what this is about. Sure there are a lot of common sense tips for controlling your weight. Although some of these can be considered common knowledge it is helpful to have them repeated and provided as options. The book is geared toward teens and their particular stresses and pressures of that period in life. The book is more of a self help book geared toward good eating habits and potential weigh loss. Like most self-help books they don't have to be written by someone with a specific degree. Just someone with motivational skills and some good ideas. And this book fits well with that description. Even though the ideas in the book are things you probably already know it is still worth reading. It's much better then I though it was going to be.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book, inspiring and informative. :) I already knew a lot of the things that are discussed in the book, cause I live with health nuts and am already a healthy weight. But I learned a lot of helpful tips. :) Highly recommended. Plus. I got it for a dollar. :D

[Edlira Dibrani · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really nice book for weight solutions for teens. I found it very helping, even though I dont have a weight problem, but it also teaches you have to be healthy. Highly recommended