What’s Causing My Teen’s Sudden Weight Gain or Loss?
Weight changes during adolescence are expected. But when they come on suddenly or seem extreme, it’s fair to pause and wonder what’s going on. And no, this isn’t about vanity. It’s about health, hormones, and how your teen is really doing.
Puberty itself causes weight gain — that’s normal. But some patterns raise red flags. A sudden gain might signal hormonal imbalances like PCOS or thyroid issues. It could also be linked to mood shifts, stress eating, or even medication side effects. On the flip side, rapid weight loss may be tied to disordered eating, depression, anxiety, or even something medical like celiac disease or diabetes.
It’s not just the numbers on the scale. If your teen is constantly tired, skipping meals, obsessing over food, or avoiding activities they used to enjoy, those are clues worth following. Weight is never the full story, but it can be the beginning of one.
As a parent, it’s tricky to talk about this without triggering shame. Instead of focusing on how they look, focus on how they feel. Are they tired? Moody? Anxious? You might be surprised by what comes out when you lead with curiosity.
Try starting a conversation with them using simple, open-ended questions like:
“How has your body been feeling lately?”
“Have you been feeling more tired than usual?”
“Is anything about your energy or mood feeling off?”
“What’s been feeling good in your body—and what hasn’t?”
“Is there anything about your health that’s been on your mind?”
Puberty is hard enough without turning it into a body crisis. Let’s get to the root of it and make sure your teen feels supported every step of the way.
