Underweight/Overweight: Affecting Your Mind And body / Question
Published: February 28, 2000
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am a 13 year old male and weigh over 200 pounds. I feel embarrassed and do not have any friends. I don't really play sports. What can I do?
Signed: Overweight & Lonely
Dear Overweight & Lonely,
It must be difficult and painful to feel embarrassed and overweight without having any friends to share your feelings with. At 13, all you want to feel is normal and it seems from your question that you are feeling very bad about yourself and lonely too.
We will address the weight issue in a minute. Right now, TeenHealthFX is more concerned with how you may be dealing with all of this. You need to talk to your parents, a guidance counselor, or school nurse about seeing a doctor and a counselor to deal with your feelings. A counselor can help you work through any issues that are bothering you. Also, sometimes people in your situation can begin to feel depressed or some of the feelings may even be too much for you to handle. If you feel like this, get help immediately from a trusted adult. If you live in Northern New Jersey, call the 24-hour CRISIS HOTLINE at (973) 540.0100. If you live outside Northern New Jersey, call the National Hope Line at (800) SUICIDE.
As far as the weight issue goes, again you really need to talk to your doctor about it. TeenHealthFX knows very little information about you like your height and eating habits. Your doctor will be able to fully evaluate your weight and may even recommend you see a nutritionist.
In the meantime, follow the guidelines and food pyramid in the question called eating healthy. Also, try to find an exercise that you enjoy and do it 3 - 4 times per week. These activities can include bike riding or walking.
Do not go on any strict diets until you have seen a doctor. Teenagers need to get a certain amount of calories and nutritional requirements for a healthy body. Make an appointment soon as I think you need the support of an adult ASAP.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
It is estimated that major depressive disorder (MDD) affects about 5% of adolescents, and that between 10 - 15% of adolescents have some symptoms of depression at any one time.
