Underweight/Overweight: Affecting Your Mind And body / Question
Published: September 20, 2000
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I'm 12 years old and I weigh 160 pounds. I really want to loose weight, but every time I try to go on a diet they never work. I really get teased a lot. Please help!
Signed: 160 Pounds And Being Teased
Dear 160 Pounds And Being Teased,
TeenHealthFX understands that this time in your life can be awkward enough without being teased by your peers. Unfortunately, other teens do not realize how much they may be hurting each other. Try to keep a positive attitude and believe in yourselves and try to ignore them. Also, you may want to talk to someone about this. Sometimes it can hurt so much that we need to get it out by talking to someone who cares like a good friend, a parent or teacher. They can give you the emotional support you need.
Also, you should talk to your doctor about your weight and any other health concerns you may have. TeenHealthFX does not know your height to determine if you are overweight, but is concerned about you dieting. Diets are not safe at any age, especially yours. At 12, you are still growing and probably beginning puberty. You need proper nutrition and exercise to make sure that your body remains strong and healthy. By going on diets, we often deprive ourselves of vitamins and essential nutrients. This type of deprivation can often lead to weight gain as well, because our bodies try to compensate for the food that it is being deprived of by trying to get us to eat more. The key to losing weight and remaining healthy is to eat healthy and maintain proper exercise program.
It is important to understand that you body is undergoing great change right now and can seem out of balance. As you grow your weight and height will even out. Stay positive, and good luck.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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