Hey everyone! I'm a 16 year old looking to lose a lot of weight. So hopefully, it'll be okay having a teen around here. (:

I was born underweight and I was a small kid up until the age of 10. I started packing on weight and slowly losing interest in running around and being active. I finally hit 200 pounds when I was in 6th grade. I've always been the biggest in my class and maybe in my school. I'm now a Junior in high school and I don't want to waste anymore time. I've tried Weight Watchers and other things on my own, but I always lose my willpower. I fell into deep depression 2 years ago and almost lost my life because I let it consume me. I haven't given up though and I'm still here. I just need a push to get me off of my butt and exercise. My goal is to be able to be healthy and thinner by my senior prom or graduation. I have a long way to go. So far, I've lost 5 pounds. Everybody's got to start somewhere, right?

I live with my mom. She also is overweight. As I mentioned, my willpower comes and goes and is often minimal. If there is a cake or treat in the house, I'll end up snacking on it. I've gotten my mom to help me, and she hasn't been buying any bad treats. Instead, I've been snacking on fruits and veggies if I'm hungry. I hate soda, so that hasn't been a problem to give up. (Surprise, a teenager that doesn't love soda!) We've been eating more organic and whole foods, and I already feel a little better. When I used to eat bad foods, I'd feel sick and sluggish afterwards.

I have a friend that was my same weight, that lost 155 pounds by eating 1,500 calories a day and doing cardio 5-6 times a week and walking.

I'd like to try the same thing. I've been eating 1,500 calories and that is how I've lost the 5 pounds the past 2 weeks. Sounds about right, 2 pounds a week? I'm fixing to use the Biggest Loser DVD, 6 week workout plan as my cardio. I'm also walking to aid it + my diet. Hopefully, it'll help enough to lose weight.

Wondering if there are other younger members here that have a lot to lose for encouragement and support.

I'm far from a young one, but wanted to welcome you anyway. You sound "wise beyond your years". You should be very proud of yourself. I'm so glad your mom is working with you -- I wish my mom would have done that.

Just suggesting, if you like computers, there are a few websites that you can track your calories and exercise on -- I just think it makes it a little more interesting --

Two I like are "the daily plate . com" (no spaces)
and fit day . com (no spaces again!!)

Good luck to you -- tell your mom to come on too and say hi!!!

Wow, I second the motion that you are "wise beyond your years," as you seemingly are better educated about weight loss and the tactics involved than many people twice your age. I am impressed by your determination and your interest in getting the weight off as a young person. It's also nice to see that you have the cooperation of your mother, as well as a friend who has modeled proper eating and exercise habits.
Good luck on your weight loss journey -- you are already on your way to success.

welcome !!! youll love it here . we do have a teen forum too check it out!!!

I wish I could have gotten a handle on it at your age! You rock! 16 is about when I really started to gain it... but I'm double that age now.

I second the notion about recording everything you eat. Keep getting your families help if you find a food you keep having issues with ask your mom if its possible to not bring home or substitute for something else.

Yes, at your weight 2lbs a week is a healthy rate to lose.

Yay, another young'n! : )

I;m 15 years old, so I'm in the same boat as you. Msg. me if you want to chat

Hey you!
If it makes you feel any better, I'm a teenager as well. And yes, I too, have an insatiable appetite for treats and sweets :] I think it's marvelous that you're taking the time and effort to remain focused and dedicated to this goal you've set in your mind-it takes an exceptionally strong-minded individual to do so. Five pounds is definitely nothing to be shameful of! I've only been able to lose a miniscule 3...bleh :/ Nonetheless, as long as you remained FOCUSED & STRONG-WILLED, you'll do wonders with yourself. Please PM me anytime! I'd love to keep in touch with you. Judging by what my friends and peers say, I'm a pretty decent motivator when it comes to weightloss. Stay strong my dear! You're too beautiful to take orders from a measley cookie! Haha! :]

heeyy^^
i haven't posted a message on the forum yet, because i'm kind of shy, i'm about the same age as you are,.. i'm 15
if you wanna chat some times you can pm me^^

I'm 19...there are more teenagers round here than I thought!

Thats brilliant that you are getting on top of food/exercise issues at 16, why wait? Seize the day!

Your approach sounds fantastic and healthy. Good luck

emily
xxx

Rock on, Toxic, and welcome. It sounds like you have a reasonable plan, and the people here are really supportive - seriously, come here every day, and it'll be hard to stay off track. Believe me, I know... I put on 50 pounds and carried that extra weight around for an entire year (if not more) because I didn't have the willpower to lose it... but since being a member of this forum (started at the end of May), I've lost 12 pounds.

Feel free to message me any time. I'm not a teenager anymore, but I'm only four years older than you, and I have a sister who is your age. I struggled with weight issues at your age, too, but instead of going the healthy route like you are, I practiced... alternative methods.

Brianna, I took a look at the above site you recommended and I am really concerned about some of the quotes on there. For example, some of the motivational quotes include, "Hunger hurts but starving works" and "Anorexia is not a self-inflicted disease, it's a self-controlled lifestyle". I am hopeful that you aren't looking to this site for a healthy inspiration. Your body needs food to be healthy. Please don't think I am judging you. I just don't want to see you becoming unhealthy or causing harm to your body, or influencing others to do the same. Please consider checking out some other sites for healthy tips such as the American Heart Association or the American Dietetic Association (www.eatright.org)

I hope that you have the healthiest, happiest life ever! You are young and have so much to look forward to. Just be sure to do it in a healthy way. And remember, we are all here for you for whatever you need.

Stacy

Hello! I'm far from a teen as well, but I like your adult attitude! Good luck with your journey and I think you're going to have much success. Don't give up-- we're rooting for you!!