Lemondrop has a series of old advertisements for smoking. They're humorous in an I-can't-believe-they-said-that kind of way. A couple of the ads focus on how smoking can help keep you thin. Yeah, good idea. You'll have stinky breath, smelly clothes and hair, lung cancer, and emphysema ... but at least you'll be thin!

If you still believe the smoke-and-stay-thin myth, you'd better think again. Or somehow time travel back to the 1950s. A recent study suggests that teens who smoke are more likely to be overweight later in life. The researchers aren't suggesting that cigarettes themselves cause you to gain weight (though that might be a more effective deterrent than the Surgeon General's warning). Instead, it's thought that smoking in teenage years just becomes the first in a string of bad habits. Like burgers. And fries. And sugary soda. And chocolate. And, excuse me ... now I'm hungry.



Smoker or not, if you're looking to shed some extra pounds, check out America Takes It Off: Shrink a Size for great weight loss tips.

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Jess Weiner blogs about body image on Seventeen.com, and she does a great job of cutting right to heart of the self-esteem issues young girls face. Now, I'm a far cry from 17-years-old. Heck, I have sweatshirts that are older than that. But as I was watching Jess's videos, I realized that a lot of those teenage body image issues stick with us through our very non-teenager years.

I know that I engage in negative self talk sometimes. A while ago, I was shopping with my sister and I tried on a skirt that I knew was flattering. Instead of simply saying I liked it, I asked her if it made my butt look big. I don't really know why ... maybe I was fishing for a compliment or maybe saying things in the negative is just a bad habit. Jess has some tips for breaking the negative thinking:

• Stop making negative comments about yourself because you're seeking attention. Negative comments, even when we know they aren't true, usually come from a lack of self-esteem. Put negative thoughts of yourself out there and they'll come back to you.
  
• Don't define yourself by your size. Find better adjectives about your health, your talents, your intelligence and your positive qualities.
• Cut off negative comments. If you have people in your life who are critical about your appearance, directly tell them that their comments are hurtful and that you need them to stop.

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When it comes to the idea of gastric bypass surgery, I'm like a cork bobbing on water. I'd like to have a firm pro or con opinion, but there are so many things to consider. You just have to read through Karla's posts to hear a very realistic view on life after weight loss surgery. And Dr. Jonny has some serious points to consider as well. So, while a part of me would like to be anti-weight loss surgery, I know that for some people it is a very good choice. I am concerned, however, that the choice for surgery is made too rapidly.

A recent study shows that gastric bypass not only helps obese teens lose weight, it also can halt type 2 diabetes in its tracks. Those are certainly good results and have positive effects on the teens' health. But they're teenagers. And they're undergoing major, life-altering surgery.

I just hope that for everyone -- especially teens -- weight loss surgery is a last resort. All efforts to lose weight naturally should be tried first.

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Tweens and teens may seem to be constantly on the go. But while they're go, go, going ... are they really being physically active? Encourage them to be more active this holiday season with gifts that either inspire physical activity or generate it.

When choosing active gifts for the younger set, keep fun in mind. While a pedometer might be a great tool for kids of any age, it's not exactly thrilling for a teenager to open a handsomely wrapped gift and find a pedometer inside. So look for items that not only promote physical fitness, but also generate some excitement. Check out the gallery for some activity-inspiring gifts for the tweens and teens in your life.

I remember back when I was in high school (what my son would call the "olden days"). When my friends and I finally scored drivers licenses and cheap used cars, we smelled freedom. Almost every day we'd escape the school's cafeteria and go out to lunch. We wouldn't go home or bring healthy, packed lunches to an off-campus spot to eat. Instead, we'd hit one of the fast-food joints downtown. It was a terrible habit to get into -- unhealthy and expensive.

Not too many years from now, my son will have the same freedom. We live practically next door to the local junior high and high school. I hope, when he has the freedom to leave school grounds at lunch, he opts to come home more often than not. I'd rather have him leave fast-food as an occasional treat, and choose healthful foods more regularly. (Though, if he brings home several teenage friends for lunch, my grocery bills will skyrocket!)

I just read an article which proves that students going out to lunch is a health decision parents and schools worry about around the globe. Short of preventing high school students from leaving the school campus, all we can do is teach our kids the importance of good nutrition from a young age. Then, hopefully, when they're old enough to do so, they make good choices.

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We've all heard the term "man breasts" before -- which are not uncommon among males apparently. According to this article, upwards of 50 percent of us guys have gynecomastia (at least a little bit). Gynecomastia is the technical term for the unwanted tissue making up this chest condition. But it turns out more and more teenage boys are opting for surgery to take care of it.

Males who are 13 to 19 may experience a hormonal imbalance which causes excess tissue to build up around the chest area. This can be awkward for kids in school. In fact, one plastic surgeon has seen boys tape themselves up with Ace bandages to cover the stigma.

But is this such a good idea? Some pediatricians think surgery is a bit extreme for a condition believed to take care of itself in time. However, when dealt with on a case-by-case basis, gynecomastia doesn't always go away for everyone. The operation could take an hour and a half, but the results seem to work. This could be the answer for many teens' social hang-ups. Read on for one boy's experience with breast surgery.

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Three quarters of a million teenage girls will get pregnant in 2008. That's a statistic coming from this article by CBS trying to uncover how the media is influencing the depiction of sex among teenagers.

It's fairly common to see trends in movies and TV gearing adolescents toward more mature behavior. These depictions were normally reserved for adults and more mature audiences. But with teen pregnancies on the rise, it's clear that perhaps it is not as taboo as it used to be.

There's definitely a debate regarding the issue, and no simple answers. Movies don't seem to make having a baby seem like anything more than a bump in the road. Anyone seen Juno recently? And young media icons like Jamie Lynn Spears are 16 years old and already expecting. This definitely has an effect on the topic of sex in the hallways of high school. Even if Hollywood somewhat glamorizes pregnancy, is that transitioning to peers and classmates as well?

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Have fitness questions? Fitz has your answer. Our ThatsFit.com fitness expert -- and now your own virtual personal trainer -- will help you get fit, increase your overall health and do it in a fun way. Drop your questions here in the Comments section below and we'll choose two per week to publish on That's Fit! Learn more about Fitz here.

Q. Hi Fitz, I am 15 and I weigh 225 pounds. I'd like to lose a lot of weight. For exercise, I fast walk on the treadmill for 15 minutes a day. I try to eat the right foods, but I keep having a temptation to go back to my old habits. I keep trying, but because of my brother's metabolism... he can eat anything. That is not helping me at all. I need help, but I'm afraid that no one will help me because of my weight, so I hope you guys can. Shelby

A. I'm really glad you reached out for help here, Shelby. Being overweight is no fun, especially as a child.....which you are. I struggled with my weight as a teenager too, but thankfully I eventually figured things out. I remember way back then thinking a good weight loss technique was to simply eat fewer Cheetos. My parents never spoke about weight management to me and I simply didn't have much guidance on the subject. I felt bad about myself and desperately wanted to change. Sounds like you're in the same boat.

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There has obviously been an increase in teen pregnancies lately, but here's a concept that is sure to stir the pot. High school girls in Denver who are slated to become new mothers are asking the school district for maternity leave in order to heal and bond. They're hoping to get at least four weeks out of the request.

Keep in mind that Denver has one of the highest teen pregnancy rates. To put it in perspective, they even have a special school for new moms and mothers-to-be. However, that school has a waiting list. So now these girls are looking for leave to avoid unexcused absences. Otherwise, they would be required to get back in the classroom the day after hospital discharge.

Should the school district work with the girls and give them maternity leave? Or would that encourage teen pregnancies, so just require attendance as usual? It's a controversial topic with no easy answer. You can see where the girls are coming from, because the body does need to recover after giving birth. On the flip side, four weeks is a long time to miss school, especially for a district with so many of these cases.

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Laurence Steinberg from Temple University said this past week that the standard teenage brain lacks good impulse control that can lead to actions akin to a fast car with a good accelerator, but a weak brake.

With the human brain maturing even up to the age of 25, Steinberg says that crime can often be a result of this lack of impulse control. He helped prove the case to the U.S. Supreme Court a few years ago when the court ruled that the death penalty could be used on criminals who committed dastardly crimes before the age of 18.

Steinberg concluded his most recent adolescent research by saying "As any parent knows (youths are more likely to show) a lack of maturity and an underdeveloped sense of responsibility (in reference to adults). "These qualities often result in impetuous and ill-considered actions and decisions."

Steinberg also referenced that "juveniles are more vulnerable or susceptible to negative influences and outside pressures, including peer pressure."

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I'm shocked whenever I learn that a young person has started smoking. With all the risk associated with this habit, I can't imagine how anyone can even consider taking up this harmful practice.

A new University of Florida study found that teen girls often begin smoking while dieting -- dieting nearly doubles the odds these young females will smoke -- because nicotine suppresses the appetite. Suppressed appetites mean less food. Less food equals less weight.

Not everyone opts for this smoky endeavor. But parents should be on the lookout for smoking as well as other dangerous health habits, like excessive exercise and altered eating habits. If you notice your teen lighting up or taking other drastic measures to drop a few pounds, step in and help her get a grip. Here are 10 ways to help teens stay smoke free.

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Have fitness questions? Fitz has your answer. Our ThatsFit.com fitness expert -- and now your own virtual personal trainer -- will help you get fit, increase your overall health and do it in a fun way. Drop your questions here in the Comments section below and we'll choose two per week to publish on That's Fit! Learn more about Fitz here.

Q. Hi Fitz.. I am 18, 5'6, and 220 lbs. I try to eat right and be fit, but it's hard to do since I am so busy. I recently started SCUBA diving and through all the equipment and the swimming, I consider it a workout. Especially because we usually do two and sometimes three dives most days. I live overseas in a place where there are no cars, so we ride bikes everywhere. I feel pretty good, but when I see myself in the mirror I cringe. I don't even bother buying new clothes.

Between diving and my full time job, I don't have time to plan meals or even go to the gym. I've tried to get up and go to the gym in the mornings before work, but I'd have to get up at about 5 and I'm NOT a morning person. What can I do to fit fitness into my busy schedule and what is an easy way to eat healthier? Amanda

A. Argh Amanda! It makes me so sad to know that you cringe when you see yourself. I used to do the same until I really figured out the science of eating right, exercising appropriately, and pursuing fitness in a healthy way. Funny thing is, I only lost the weight I had wanted to lose when I stopped beating myself up. For real! I actually decided to recognize all of the ways that I am great, (good student, caring friend, a consistent volunteer) and only then did the weight come off. I think spending so much energy despising myself didn't leave any for making positive improvements.

I think you should start there. Find out why you're great. Why you're worthy. Then focus on adopting healthier habits. Exercising in the morning usually starts of hard, but becomes easier as you get used to it. Gyms are packed at 5:00am. If that's truly your only free time, then I suggest giving it at least one month's chance. Along with that, get moving on your lunch break. A few ten minute walks each day will add up! Private office? Try push-ups, crunches and lunges behind closed doors. You can do these things without getting too sweaty.

Eating healthy should not take any more time than eating junk food. Throw things like a banana, apple, and baby carrots in your bag at the beginning of each day. That way you'll always have a nutritious, filling and low fat snack available. Choose lighter fare at restaurants. Even fast food joints offer grilled meat and other healthy options. Make it a point to choose those.

Amanda. If you pursue a healthy lifestyle, your body will become what you've guided it to be. You can do this! Take care of yourself, and stop with negativity. You're worth the effort! Fitz

Q. Dear Fitz, I am having a problem with losing weight! I take three hours of dance and I do cheer leading at my school (one day of practice and two days of games, each about 2 hours). My biggest problem is eating. I get home from school and eat a lot but I always figure that I do so much exercise that I will burn it off. I try to jog around the block but its just not really my thing. I also never have time to go to the gym. What can I do to lose weight, but remain healthy and happy at the same time? Jennifer

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Retailers who sell tobacco are finally getting with the program in terms of selling those products to underage teenagers, according to a U.S. government report this week.

According to the report, less retailers were found selling tobacco products to teens when unannounced inspections occurred. The percentage? About 10.9 percent of all retailers that were monitored.

This news is encouraging since that is the lowest rate of illegal tobacco sales to minors in the decade since individual states began performing activities to monitor compliance with tobacco sale legality practices.
dropped to 10.9 percent last year, the government reports.

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Have fitness questions? Fitz has your answer. Our ThatsFit.com fitness expert -- and now your own virtual personal trainer -- will help you get fit, increase your overall health and do it in a fun way. Drop your questions here in the Comments section below and we'll choose two per week to publish on That's Fit! Learn more about Fitz here.

Q. Fitz. I've been really good the past couple of months about eating healthier. I eat lots of fruits, veggies, fiber and whole grains. I try to be extra careful, especially when I go out. However, while I order something healthy...my friends will order something no-so-good. French fries for example. My guilty pleasure is snacking on a few of them. I also notice that I'll snack on free samples if they're available at the grocery store.

My question is, is this okay? I certainly don't eat a whole meal, and I don't do it every day. But, I can't quite seem to kick the habit of resisting food that's right in front of me. Is is okay to snack on small temptations, or am I screwing my body up even with the small portions? Thanks. Rachel

A. Rachel. I think you and I are the same person. You just described me in a nutshell. If I'm preparing or ordering food for myself, it will truly be of the highest nutrition and of very low fat and calorie content. I'm human though and I am not a fan of 'extreme eating'. Some folks can stick to a never ever have a french fry or a drop of sugar style of eating. I'm not that girl. My stance is that if ninety percent of the food you put in your mouth is top notch.....the other ten percent won't hurt so much.

I NEVER order fries. But if my husband does......I'll have a few. Just a few. I NEVER bring home cake or pie unless it's a birthday, or order it for dessert. But if the sweet little sample lady gives me a teeny cup of Death by Chocolate.....I enjoy the heck out of it. Doing this allows me to enjoy certain foods without really paying the price for it. Sounds like you've got the same philosophy.

The only reason I would recommend you changing your habits is if you're falling short on some sort of weight-loss goals....or if you find yourself making 'exceptions' more than twice a day. If you're trying to lose and hit a plateau......the samples may have to go. All calories count. Hope that helps Rachel. You seem to be on the right track! Fitz

Q. Hey Miss Fitz. I was just wondering ... is it is good for a teen to exercise? I am thirteen years old, and I want to know how to get in shape before school. I'm thinking about running one mile at least three times a week. Is that healthy? Prue.

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Sleeping in is part of what makes the weekend the weekend for most kids, but as it turns out that age-old habit may be hurting their grades. A study recently showed that kids who sleep in later on Saturdays often do worse in school than kids who keep the same sleep schedule all week. Researchers say kids and teens who reset their sleep/wake cycles over the weekend are essentially giving themselves jet lag, which means they're tired at the beginning of the school week and perform worse in their studies.

Obviously the best thing is to get adequate sleep every night of the week, so sleeping in on weekends doesn't happen. And it's also important to note that teenagers usually need more sleep than adults, the recommended is 9+ hours per night.

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