Hi, I'm 17 years old, I'm a girl, and I weight 282 pounds...and I'm on the verge of developing type 2 diabetes, I think.
I'm so scared because I know I need to lose weight, but I don't know how. I've been vigilant about not losing weight because before now it's been, "Oh, you need to lose weight so that society will like looking at you," and I'm not one for falling for that conventional beauty crap. But I went to the doctor recently, and he told me that I really really need to lose weight. I also want to be able to have health insurance when I get older, right now I'm under the insurance of my parents.
I just don't know where to start. I always go through these cycles where I exercise and then I just stop, but hopefully, I'll be able to receive some support here!!!
I have been overweight my entire life so I can appreciate what it's like being a teenager and fighting the weight battle.
If you haven't had your thyroid tested, I would ask your doctor (or your parents to ask your doctor) to do a thorough exam to look for any possible hindrances to weight loss. Don't skip this step I waited over 30 years to find out I had a thyroid problem - don't be like me!
If you're still in high school and in the U.S. you have a school couneslor whether you know him/her or not. They might be a good resource to start with. They often have people they can refer you to, like a nutritionist, who can help and they might help you discover some of the mental blocks or challenges you might have around food/exercise.
There are lots of different methods for losing weight and what works for you will depend on you. Just remember weight loss is generally slow if you're really burning fat. Fast weight loss is usually a gimick or you just lose a lot of water weight. You can lose weight and not be hungry all the time and not be stuck eating bland foods. Just don't expect to lose 20lbs in a month. Expect more like 4-5 pounds a month once you find a method that works for you.
Hi britt, welcome! you will definately find support here like rodeo said, there are lots of different ways to go about it, you might want to look around the forums and see what appeals to you. And feel free to drop by the 20 somethings and say hi!
I felt the same exact way you did about starting a weight loss journey until my doctor sat me down and told me I was killing myself. Was that a wake-up call!
These forums are full of supportive people who are more than happy to answer questions and give advice. I will be honest that working on losing weight is hard, but it is totally worth it. I wish you the best of luck!
Hi Britt and welcome to 3FC! The first thing that I would like to mention to you is that "you do NOT have to starve yourself to lose weight". I just feel like when it comes to teenage girls and the pressure to be thin they automatically think they need to starve to be thin. I'm living proof that this is not true, I eat more now than I ever have, I just choose healthier foods. I know you can do this, I just want you to do it in a healthy way. maybe sign up for fitday.com or thedailyplate.com and track your calories. You may find that you arent eating enough or just eating the wrong things. Good luck with every step of your journey, it really doesnt have to be a stressful or overwhelming event. Just be sure to post and ask for help and let us know how you are doing. We're all right here with you. Look forward to hearing more from you.
Hey Britt. I see you going to college! Congrats! That's a huge life step. And you know what? It will help make your weight loss goal easier. I too struggled with my weight in high school and got very healthy during college. (Unfortunately I lost control of my health when I started working, but now I'm getting it back because I know HOW from college.)
Number 1 is start making good food choices. After a few weeks of making good food choices and drinking water, you'll be surprised at how good your body feels (even after such a short time) and you'll also be surprised how little you miss the old ones. This will probably get easier when you go to school because most schools offer a lot of healthy choices in the dining hall, like salads, whole grain foods, fresh fruit, etc. Keep a FOOD JOURNAL. Sign up on Fit Day. Knowledge is power!
Number 2 - Exercise a little bit. Start over the summer. I got the Biggest Loser DVDs to start. The DVD was like 10 bucks and I bought hand weights for 10 bucks. It will get you moving and sweating and you can do it in your own home. There's plently of other things you can do at home too (see the exercise thread.) But once you have a little athletic confidence, the good news is, working out will be even easier in college. Most schools have some type of fitness center where you can sign up for cardio machines, use their free weights and balls...all without paying for a gym membership. When midterms and finals crunch gets on too, you'll be glad it there! By the time you move in, you'll be well acquainted with effective exercise from the work you did over the summer!
You CAN do this. Trust me. Literally all it takes in putting one foot in front of the other the first time. And then doing it a couple hundred thousand times after that. And if you think college is fun...just wait until those years 22-25! But take this as an opportunity to expand your mind and contract your body because they are handing you all the tools to do that! Again, you CAN do this. These forums are great for motivation so stick around here as well!
Hi, everyone! Confused and scared fat teen here!
like rodeo said, there are lots of different ways to go about it, you might want to look around the forums and see what appeals to you. And feel free to drop by the 20 somethings and say hi!
