Hi, I'm Stephanie & 16 years old. In June 2016 I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and was told I was pre-diabetic, also weighing in at 229 pounds. A month prior my dad (single father) had a heart attack at only 47 years old. He also has Rheumatoid Arthritis, Type 2 Diabetes, and horrible neuropathy. This gave me a wake up call, I shouldn't be this unhealthy especially at 16 but realized I have a huge advantage being this young, I am capable of making huge changes earlier in my life!

I went through a lot as a kid (not gonna go into a sob story lol but just give the basics why I'm this unhealthy), my mother & stepfather were abusive & extremely neglectful from the ages 8-10. I never ate breakfast in the morning, didn't get money for school lunch, and only had dinner once in a blue moon which was frozen meals. My mom would give me $5 to go Rite Aid down the block. Only being a little kid & not knowing better (plus only having five dollars, not much you can do) I would buy soda & a big bag of chips, usually cheetos . Eventually I moved in with my dad but the damage was done (physically & mentally). I ended up with a diagnosis of PTSD, Depression, and Generalized Anxiety at age 10. Six years later and I still eat my feelings.

But, I am ready to make big changes. Not just for me but I would love to help my dad out too. I want him to see me graduate, get a nice job, get married, and have some kids. Every (good) parent deserves to see their child grow up happy & healthy.

Anyways! My endocrinologist prescribed me Synthroid & told me to cut out gluten and I've lost 10 pounds 6 1/2 weeks in! Planning to start running soon.

I've got no clue why I just wrote an essay but just wanted to share my backstory. Excited to join this community!

I really don't know what to say about what you've gone through, so rather than risking ramming my foot in my mouth I'll just go with :hugs:

But it is great that you are working on your health this young, and that you have a good support system with your dad and doctor. Good luck in your journey!

Well done for getting started and realising what you need to do! That's the biggest step! Good luck!