Healthy Ways Of Losing And Gaining Weight / Question
Published: January 28, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I'm 15 years old, 5 feet tall, and 185 pounds. I've been to a doctor already and have been told that I need to lose weight. I know that the best way to do this is to exercise and eat healthy. I just wanted to know how many calories you have to consume before you can actually see yourself begin to gain weight. With this information, I'll know how many calories I shouldn't overeat. Thanks.
Signed: Calories & Weight Gain
Dear Calories & Weight Gain,
TeenHealthFX is happy to hear that you are concerned about your health. Since you have already seen a doctor, hopefully he or she sat down with you and established some reasonable weight loss goals and appropriate ways of achieving them. If not, then TeenHealthFX recommends that you figure out your Appropriate Height and Weight (sports/sports-18) to get an idea of what a healthy weight for you might be. A nutritionist or your doctor can help you figure out how many calories a day your body needs and what is the best way to meet your dietary requirements.
Even though you know that eating healthy and exercising are the best ways to lose weight, remember that weight loss is only one part of a lifelong program of being healthy. By doing these things you will not only lose weight, you will build a fitter, stronger body that will help you feel your best. Remember that you are still growing and your body needs an ample supply of vitamins, minerals, proteins and nutrients to develop correctly.
In general, gaining weight requires consuming more calories than you burn. One pound of fat equals about 3500 calories, but TeenHealthFX discourages you from obsessing about calories and exact poundage lost. The best weight goal should be to be fit and healthy, not sleek and skinny. A proper, varied diet including whole grains, fruits and vegetables, along with moderate amounts of protein and fat will help you to lose weight, while sweets and high fat foods should be eaten only occasionally. Physical activity, combined with a healthy diet is the best way to keep weight off once you have lost it. In addition, keeping records of what you eat and practicing portion control can help you maintain your weight loss.
If you eat right by following the guidelines under eating healthy and exercise 3 - 5 times per week for about 30 minutes, your body will reach a point where it will not gain extra weight above that which it needs to perform its daily functions. Remember, it is not about the numbers on the scale but rather how fit and healthy your body feels.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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