Lifestyle and Weight Loss For Teens

Dr Jenny Gourgari, Pediatric Endocrinologist and Obesity Medicine Diplomate
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Parenting
  • Weekly

Is your teen showing early signs of insulin resistance and prediabetes, gaining weight too quickly and is always hungry? Before you try another diet or cut another food group — you need to hear this. Teen weight gain is rarely about willpower. During puberty, hormones like insulin, cortisol, and estrogen directly drive how your teen stores fat, feels hungry, and burns energy. If no one has explained that to you yet, this podcast is where that changes.  Lifestyle for Teens with Dr. Jenny is built on one belief: No Diets. No Shame. Just Hormones That Work. Dr. Jenny Gourgari is a board-certified pediatric endocrinologist and obesity medicine specialist — and she knows this journey personally. She spent her own teenage years struggling with weight and chronic dieting before understanding that hormones, not habits, were driving the cycle. Now she helps parents and teens do what she wished someone had helped her do sooner. HIT "FOLLOW" the podcast to never miss an episode!VISIT MY WEBSITE:https://lifestyleforteens.com?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast_description&utm_campaign=homepageGET FREE RESOURCES TO HELP YOUR TEEN:https://lifestyleforteens.com/free-resources/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast_description&utm_campaign=free_resourcesSUBSCRIBE TO MY WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://members.lifestyleforteens.com/f/subscribe-for-weekly-resources?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast_description&utm_campaign=newsletterSTART REVERSING INSULIN RESISTANCE TODAY:https://lifestyleforteens.com/reset?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast_description&utm_campaign=mini_lift

  1. 8h ago

    Ep. 110- Your Teen’s Late Nights May Be Affecting Their Metabolism

    Can better sleep actually help your teen's insulin resistance? When parents hear “insulin resistance” or “prediabetes,” they usually start thinking about food, carbs, sugar and exercise. But there is another piece we don't talk about enough: sleep. In this episode, Dr. Jenny Gourgari, pediatric endocrinologist, explains why not getting enough sleep can affect insulin sensitivity, hunger, appetite and metabolic health — and why improving sleep may be one of the simplest places to start. You'll learn: • How lack of sleep can affect insulin sensitivity • Why your teen may feel hungrier after a short night • How sleep, stress hormones and metabolism are connected • How much sleep teenagers actually need • Why inconsistent sleep schedules can make things harder • Simple ways to create a healthier bedtime routine • What to do about phones and screens before bed Your teen doesn't need another restrictive diet. Sometimes improving metabolic health starts with giving their body more of something it actually needs. And sleep is one of those things. Learn more and get free resources at lifestyleforteens.com I’m Dr. Jenny Gourgari—pediatric endocrinologist, certified in obesity medicine and a health coach.  After helping hundreds of teens struggling with insulin resistance, prediabetes and their hormones, I’ve created a whole new path by doing what most programs miss: balance puberty hormones naturally and create healthy habits that actually last. Here's what makes this different: ✅ No dieting. No calorie counting. No shame. ✅ No more food fights between parents and teens. ✅ No weight obsession—just healthy habits ✅ Real science behind how puberty hormones affect weight ✅ A safe, supportive approach that prevents eating disorders Because when teens understand their hormones and get the right support, they don’t just lose weight—they gain strength, energy, confidence, and freedom! 🎁 Grab my FREE resources below:   30 Healthy Recipes for Teens with Insulin Resistance and Prediabetes A guide for parents of Teens with Insulin Restance or Prediabetes: what you need to know 20 High -Protein Snack Ideas for Teens with Insulin Resistance and Prediabetes

  2. Oct 28

    Ep. 109 Can Stress Raise Your Teen’s Blood Sugar?

    Stress is everywhere in a teenager’s life: exams, homework, friendships, social media, changing bodies, family conflict, and pressure to succeed. But when your teen already has insulin resistance, prediabetes, PCOS, or another metabolic condition, stress may matter for more than their emotional health. In this episode, pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Jenny Gourgari explains what happens inside the body during stress—and how hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline affect blood sugar and insulin sensitivity. You’ll learn: Why the body releases cortisol and adrenaline during stressWhy the liver releases more glucose when the body senses dangerHow cortisol can interfere with insulin sensitivityWhy stress can increase cravings and emotional eatingWhy exercise can improve insulin sensitivity even without weight lossSimple stress-management strategies teenagers can actually useWhen your teen’s stress may be a sign that professional mental-health support is neededThe goal isn’t to eliminate stress. That’s impossible. The goal is to help your teenager build healthier ways to respond to it. Learn more and find free resources at lifestyleforteens.com. I’m Dr. Jenny Gourgari—pediatric endocrinologist, certified in obesity medicine and a health coach.  After helping hundreds of teens struggling with insulin resistance, prediabetes and their hormones, I’ve created a whole new path by doing what most programs miss: balance puberty hormones naturally and create healthy habits that actually last. Here's what makes this different: ✅ No dieting. No calorie counting. No shame. ✅ No more food fights between parents and teens. ✅ No weight obsession—just healthy habits ✅ Real science behind how puberty hormones affect weight ✅ A safe, supportive approach that prevents eating disorders Because when teens understand their hormones and get the right support, they don’t just lose weight—they gain strength, energy, confidence, and freedom! 🎁 Grab my FREE resources below:   30 Healthy Recipes for Teens with Insulin Resistance and Prediabetes A guide for parents of Teens with Insulin Restance or Prediabetes: what you need to know 20 High -Protein Snack Ideas for Teens with Insulin Resistance and Prediabetes

  3. Oct 21

    Ep. 108 Exhausted by Diets and Endless Check-Ups? Why Restriction Backfires

    Is your teen tired of the blood tests, the check-ups, and the diet after diet that never seem to stick? If they've been stuck in a cycle of restricting, overeating, feeling awful, and restricting again, this episode is for you. Dr. Jenny explains the biology behind that exhaustion: why the body slows metabolism when it doesn't get enough fuel, why puberty itself lowers insulin sensitivity by roughly 25–30%, and why insulin resistance takes time to build and time to improve. Most importantly, it's not your teen's fault. In this episode: •      Why picky eating and restriction show up in teens, not just toddlers •      How under-eating puts the body into energy-saving "survival mode" •      Why puberty makes insulin resistance harder to shift •      Adding foods back one at a time, without pressure to clean the plate •      The "add, don't subtract" approach I’m Dr. Jenny Gourgari—pediatric endocrinologist, certified in obesity medicine and a health coach.  After helping hundreds of teens struggling with insulin resistance, prediabetes and their hormones, I’ve created a whole new path by doing what most programs miss: balance puberty hormones naturally and create healthy habits that actually last. Here's what makes this different: ✅ No dieting. No calorie counting. No shame. ✅ No more food fights between parents and teens. ✅ No weight obsession—just healthy habits ✅ Real science behind how puberty hormones affect weight ✅ A safe, supportive approach that prevents eating disorders Because when teens understand their hormones and get the right support, they don’t just lose weight—they gain strength, energy, confidence, and freedom! 🎁 Grab my FREE resources below:   30 Healthy Recipes for Teens with Insulin Resistance and Prediabetes A guide for parents of Teens with Insulin Restance or Prediabetes: what you need to know 20 High -Protein Snack Ideas for Teens with Insulin Resistance and Prediabetes

  4. Oct 14

    Ep. 107 Is It Just Puberty… or Insulin Resistance?

    Your teenager is suddenly eating more, gaining weight, dealing with acne, and asking for another snack an hour after dinner. Is this just normal puberty? Or could insulin resistance be playing a role? The answer isn't always obvious because puberty itself naturally causes temporary changes in insulin sensitivity. Growth hormone rises, appetite increases, teens gain weight, and their bodies need more energy to grow. But there are certain signs that make me look more closely for insulin resistance. In this episode, I explain the difference between normal puberty changes and warning signs that may point toward insulin resistance or prediabetes. Puberty changes a teenager's metabolism. But we shouldn't automatically assume that every change is "just puberty." Knowing what to watch for can help you recognize when your teen may need more support. I’m Dr. Jenny Gourgari—pediatric endocrinologist, certified in obesity medicine and a health coach.  After helping hundreds of teens struggling with insulin resistance, prediabetes and their hormones, I’ve created a whole new path by doing what most programs miss: balance puberty hormones naturally and create healthy habits that actually last. Here's what makes this different: ✅ No dieting. No calorie counting. No shame. ✅ No more food fights between parents and teens. ✅ No weight obsession—just healthy habits ✅ Real science behind how puberty hormones affect weight ✅ A safe, supportive approach that prevents eating disorders Because when teens understand their hormones and get the right support, they don’t just lose weight—they gain strength, energy, confidence, and freedom! 🎁 Grab my FREE resources below:   30 Healthy Recipes for Teens with Insulin Resistance and Prediabetes A guide for parents of Teens with Insulin Restance or Prediabetes: what you need to know 20 High -Protein Snack Ideas for Teens with Insulin Resistance and Prediabetes

  5. Oct 7

    Ep 106 Stop Telling Your Teen What NOT to Eat. Try This Instead

    If you've ever told your teen with insulin resistance/ prediabetes "don't eat that"... and watched them eat it anyway, this episode is for you.    Teenagers are wired to push back on rules, and food is no exception. In this episode, I share why strict diets and banned foods backfire with teens who have prediabetes, and what works better.    In this episode:  • Why I personally can never follow a diet (and why your teen can't either)  • What the research says about dieting in adolescence  • Why the locked snack cabinet doesn't work  • How protein helps your teen feel full and crave less  • Simple fiber swaps: brown rice, whole wheat pasta  • Pizza night, pasta night and taco night, upgraded (yes, you keep them)  I’m Dr. Jenny Gourgari—pediatric endocrinologist, certified in obesity medicine and a health coach.  After helping hundreds of teens struggling with insulin resistance, prediabetes and their hormones, I’ve created a whole new path by doing what most programs miss: balance puberty hormones naturally and create healthy habits that actually last. Here's what makes this different: ✅ No dieting. No calorie counting. No shame. ✅ No more food fights between parents and teens. ✅ No weight obsession—just healthy habits ✅ Real science behind how puberty hormones affect weight ✅ A safe, supportive approach that prevents eating disorders Because when teens understand their hormones and get the right support, they don’t just lose weight—they gain strength, energy, confidence, and freedom! 🎁 Grab my FREE resources below:   30 Healthy Recipes for Teens with Insulin Resistance and Prediabetes A guide for parents of Teens with Insulin Restance or Prediabetes: what you need to know 20 High -Protein Snack Ideas for Teens with Insulin Resistance and Prediabetes

  6. Sep 9

    Ep. 105 “I’m Too Lazy to Exercise”—Why Starting Feels So Hard

    Do you ever say, “I’m too lazy to exercise,” or wonder why you cannot make yourself go to the gym? You are not lazy. Starting is simply harder when exercise is not yet part of your routine. After returning from my summer vacation in Greece, I struggled to get back to the gym too. I made excuses, missed workouts, and felt guilty. Then one phone call from a friend changed everything. In this episode of The Lifestyle and Weight Loss for Teens Podcast, I share what helped me start moving again—and how the same ideas can help teenagers build an exercise routine without guilt, shame, or pressure. Your teen does not need to begin with a hard workout or spend an hour at the gym. Walking the dog, swimming, dancing, playing basketball, or taking a short walk with a friend all count. The goal is not to be perfect. The goal is to make starting easier. If your teen needs help building healthier habits, join the 7-Day “Healthy Weight Starts With Healthy Habits” Mini Course for $25. Small actions can become habits that support better energy, confidence, and health. I’m Dr. Jenny Gourgari—pediatric endocrinologist, certified in obesity medicine and a health coach.  After helping hundreds of teens struggling with insulin resistance, prediabetes and their hormones, I’ve created a whole new path by doing what most programs miss: balance puberty hormones naturally and create healthy habits that actually last. Here's what makes this different: ✅ No dieting. No calorie counting. No shame. ✅ No more food fights between parents and teens. ✅ No weight obsession—just healthy habits ✅ Real science behind how puberty hormones affect weight ✅ A safe, supportive approach that prevents eating disorders Because when teens understand their hormones and get the right support, they don’t just lose weight—they gain strength, energy, confidence, and freedom! 🎁 Grab my FREE resources below:   30 Healthy Recipes for Teens with Insulin Resistance and Prediabetes A guide for parents of Teens with Insulin Restance or Prediabetes: what you need to know 20 High -Protein Snack Ideas for Teens with Insulin Resistance and Prediabetes

  7. Jun 17

    Ep.104 Glucose monitors: Do They Work For Teens With Prediabetes?

    A friend of mine, who's also a doctor, called me about a patient: a patient she's trying to help reach a healthier weight. Her question was simple. "Should I put them on a glucose monitor? They do not have diabetes, they just want to lose weight". If you've seen these little sensors all over your feed, you've probably wondered the same thing. So in this episode I give you the honest answer. Here's what we cover: What a continuous glucose monitor actually measures, and why it's lifesaving for teens with diabetesWhy "a screening tool, not a treatment" is the clearest way to think about it for everyone elseWhat the research really says about teens without diabetesThe quiet risk of number-watching, and how it can push a teen toward fearing foodWhat actually helps a teen improve insulin sensitivity, without dietingIf you'd like the 3 signs of insulin resistance most parents miss and what to do, grab my free guide. All the best,  Dr Jenny I’m Dr. Jenny Gourgari—pediatric endocrinologist, certified in obesity medicine and a health coach.  After helping hundreds of teens struggling with insulin resistance, prediabetes and their hormones, I’ve created a whole new path by doing what most programs miss: balance puberty hormones naturally and create healthy habits that actually last. Here's what makes this different: ✅ No dieting. No calorie counting. No shame. ✅ No more food fights between parents and teens. ✅ No weight obsession—just healthy habits ✅ Real science behind how puberty hormones affect weight ✅ A safe, supportive approach that prevents eating disorders Because when teens understand their hormones and get the right support, they don’t just lose weight—they gain strength, energy, confidence, and freedom! 🎁 Grab my FREE resources below:   30 Healthy Recipes for Teens with Insulin Resistance and Prediabetes A guide for parents of Teens with Insulin Restance or Prediabetes: what you need to know 20 High -Protein Snack Ideas for Teens with Insulin Resistance and Prediabetes

  8. Jun 10

    Ep. 103 Why "Eat Less, Move More" Does Not Work for Teens With Insulin Resistance

    "Just eat less and move more." If I had a dollar for every time a teenager or parent told me they received this advice, I could fund a research study. It sounds logical. It works for some adults in some situations. But for teenagers dealing with insulin resistance, prediabetes, PCOS, or weight struggles during puberty, this advice is not just unhelpful. It misses the point entirely. In this episode, I am sharing three specific reasons why the eat less, move more approach fails teenagers, and what actually works instead. And I am being personal about it too, because I was that teenager. I tried the tomato diet at 11 years old. I hated PE. I was always last in line when the teacher asked us to run. So I know this from the inside, not just from the clinic. I’m Dr. Jenny Gourgari—pediatric endocrinologist, certified in obesity medicine and a health coach.  After helping hundreds of teens struggling with insulin resistance, prediabetes and their hormones, I’ve created a whole new path by doing what most programs miss: balance puberty hormones naturally and create healthy habits that actually last. Here's what makes this different: ✅ No dieting. No calorie counting. No shame. ✅ No more food fights between parents and teens. ✅ No weight obsession—just healthy habits ✅ Real science behind how puberty hormones affect weight ✅ A safe, supportive approach that prevents eating disorders Because when teens understand their hormones and get the right support, they don’t just lose weight—they gain strength, energy, confidence, and freedom! 🎁 Grab my FREE resources below:   30 Healthy Recipes for Teens with Insulin Resistance and Prediabetes A guide for parents of Teens with Insulin Restance or Prediabetes: what you need to know 20 High -Protein Snack Ideas for Teens with Insulin Resistance and Prediabetes

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Is your teen showing early signs of insulin resistance and prediabetes, gaining weight too quickly and is always hungry? Before you try another diet or cut another food group — you need to hear this. Teen weight gain is rarely about willpower. During puberty, hormones like insulin, cortisol, and estrogen directly drive how your teen stores fat, feels hungry, and burns energy. If no one has explained that to you yet, this podcast is where that changes.  Lifestyle for Teens with Dr. Jenny is built on one belief: No Diets. No Shame. Just Hormones That Work. Dr. Jenny Gourgari is a board-certified pediatric endocrinologist and obesity medicine specialist — and she knows this journey personally. She spent her own teenage years struggling with weight and chronic dieting before understanding that hormones, not habits, were driving the cycle. Now she helps parents and teens do what she wished someone had helped her do sooner. HIT "FOLLOW" the podcast to never miss an episode!VISIT MY WEBSITE:https://lifestyleforteens.com?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast_description&utm_campaign=homepageGET FREE RESOURCES TO HELP YOUR TEEN:https://lifestyleforteens.com/free-resources/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast_description&utm_campaign=free_resourcesSUBSCRIBE TO MY WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://members.lifestyleforteens.com/f/subscribe-for-weekly-resources?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast_description&utm_campaign=newsletterSTART REVERSING INSULIN RESISTANCE TODAY:https://lifestyleforteens.com/reset?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast_description&utm_campaign=mini_lift

Information

  • Creator
    Dr Jenny Gourgari, Pediatric Endocrinologist and Obesity Medicine Diplomate
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    110
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Lifestyle and Weight Loss For Teens
  • Show Website
    Lifestyle and Weight Loss For Teens

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