The emerging adolescent knows everything (and what he doesn't know, his friends do). While he recognizes that bad things do happen, he usually only considers them happening to others. These two character traits can make it difficult to have a positive influence on your child's weight-loss efforts. As adolescents mature into young adults, their world-view becomes less egocentric. They'll once again become appreciative of their parents' knowledge and experience (believe it or not). Until then, continue to support them in their physical and psychological development and weight-loss efforts.