Obesity Discussion Forums

[NeedingHelp]

I'm a 16 year old girl suffering from obesity. I'm about 275 pounds. Granted, I have height in my favor (I'm around 5'9 to 5'11) but not nearly tall enough to be as heavy as I am. I've been pretty lucky to stay as healthy as I have. I don't suffer from diseases such as diabetes (yet) and I am fairly active in life. I participate in a marching band and we do have (believe it or not) VERY intense practice schedules.

Unfortunately, I'm addicted to food. I love to eat good food. I like to go out to restaurants and always try new foods. I have a pretty unhealthy diet. I eat a lot of sweets and a lot of salt.

I've recently started my junior year of high school and I've noticed I'm becoming depressed. My grades seem to be spiraling out of control. None of my grades are lower than C's, but I was raised in a family where grades are EXTREMELY important and I'm expected to get straight A's. (Which I haven't since 7th grade.) I'm constantly worried about my grades, constantly worried about my future, constantly worried about college and constantly worried about my weight. Considering the fact that these all weigh 100% of importance in my mind, you can only imagine how stressed out I am getting. I actually recently went to the hospital because I was developing lumps in my throat, which the doctor diagnosed as a symptom of exhaustion.

My parents NEVER leave me alone about my weight. I understand they are concerned, but they are leaving me feeling completely depressed. My dad and I (who is also overweight) started Weight Watchers. He's made incredible progress and while I lost 8 some pounds at the end of the summer, I gained back around 6 since I've started school. I'm just so stressed out.

My mom is not really overweight, but very superficial. Don't get me wrong, my mom is probably the most important person in my life. I love her to death, but she constantly picks about my weight and whenever I want to do something to improve my appearance (whiten my teeth, get a manicure, pierce my ears) she says I "need to work on my weight first." She seems to think I shouldn't enjoy my life or appearance at all as long as I'm still fat.

I want to lose weight so badly. I have so much I want, a boyfriend I REALLY want to date, more friends (I'm not lacking in friends and in fact, the ones I have are completely incredible but more friends could never hurt) and my prom is coming up in April. Being pounds lighter for a nice prom dress would be heaven! But my parents think I have no motive and no want to lose weight when in fact, I think about it constantly.

On top of all of this, being an overweight student isn't easy. People don't tend to be very accepting of very overweight people and I feel like this is another reason bringing me to hate school. I'm at a loss of what to do. I know I'm becoming depressed but I don't even know what to do. I never use to let anything bother me, in fact, I was extremely positive about everything in life. Now, my life is falling apart.

I'm sorry, this was probably a completely pointless post but I needed somewhere to say these things. I need somewhere where I can find help because I know I really need it, I'm losing the joy in my life and I can never find myself feeling truly happy anymore.

[Audrey]

That was very much not a completely pointless post. It was very heartfelt and truthful. And it also shows how much you want to change and just how dedicated you can be.

This forum is the perfect place to get information about weight loss, and get support for weight loss. So congratulations to you for taking the first step!

I was overweight through my high school experience, and even more so for university/college. But I've managed to lose almost all my weight, and if I can do it, definitely anyone can.

Are you looking for advice on how to loose the weight? Or support on continuing Weight Watchers? Do you have time to exercise during school?

Let us know what your plans for your soon-to-be-successful weight loss so we can be here to support you! Or let us know what kind of suggestions you're open for.

Everyone on here is living truth that with healthy eating and exercise you can loose weight. All you need to do if find your fit.

Please write us back!

[Obesity Discussion]

Originally Posted by NeedingHelp

I'm a 16 year old girl suffering from obesity. I'm about 275 pounds. Granted, I have height in my favor (I'm around 5'9 to 5'11) but not nearly tall enough to be as heavy as I am. I've been pretty lucky to stay as healthy as I have. I don't suffer from diseases such as diabetes (yet) and I am fairly active in life. I participate in a marching band and we do have (believe it or not) VERY intense practice schedules.

Unfortunately, I'm addicted to food. I love to eat good food. I like to go out to restaurants and always try new foods. I have a pretty unhealthy diet. I eat a lot of sweets and a lot of salt.

I've recently started my junior year of high school and I've noticed I'm becoming depressed. My grades seem to be spiraling out of control. None of my grades are lower than C's, but I was raised in a family where grades are EXTREMELY important and I'm expected to get straight A's. (Which I haven't since 7th grade.) I'm constantly worried about my grades, constantly worried about my future, constantly worried about college and constantly worried about my weight. Considering the fact that these all weigh 100% of importance in my mind, you can only imagine how stressed out I am getting. I actually recently went to the hospital because I was developing lumps in my throat, which the doctor diagnosed as a symptom of exhaustion.

My parents NEVER leave me alone about my weight. I understand they are concerned, but they are leaving me feeling completely depressed. My dad and I (who is also overweight) started Weight Watchers. He's made incredible progress and while I lost 8 some pounds at the end of the summer, I gained back around 6 since I've started school. I'm just so stressed out.

My mom is not really overweight, but very superficial. Don't get me wrong, my mom is probably the most important person in my life. I love her to death, but she constantly picks about my weight and whenever I want to do something to improve my appearance (whiten my teeth, get a manicure, pierce my ears) she says I "need to work on my weight first." She seems to think I shouldn't enjoy my life or appearance at all as long as I'm still fat.

I want to lose weight so badly. I have so much I want, a boyfriend I REALLY want to date, more friends (I'm not lacking in friends and in fact, the ones I have are completely incredible but more friends could never hurt) and my prom is coming up in April. Being pounds lighter for a nice prom dress would be heaven! But my parents think I have no motive and no want to lose weight when in fact, I think about it constantly.

On top of all of this, being an overweight student isn't easy. People don't tend to be very accepting of very overweight people and I feel like this is another reason bringing me to hate school. I'm at a loss of what to do. I know I'm becoming depressed but I don't even know what to do. I never use to let anything bother me, in fact, I was extremely positive about everything in life. Now, my life is falling apart.

I'm sorry, this was probably a completely pointless post but I needed somewhere to say these things. I need somewhere where I can find help because I know I really need it, I'm losing the joy in my life and I can never find myself feeling truly happy anymore.

First off, welcome to the site Needinghelp!! This post was the furthest thing from pointless; it's incredible. Letting it all out like this isn't easy, and I commend you for doing so. We are all here for you through thick and thin, and it sounds like you have a lot on you're mind.

It seems you are physically active which is great, and you know the areas you need to work on. I'm getting the sense you feel that your weight ties into a lot of the issues that bother you with life right now. I see that you want to lose the weight but are having difficulties with food addiction.

We can help guide you on the right track if you'd like. We don't promote "diets" here, but do promote lifestyle changes (eating and exercise changes) that will make a difference with your weight and health now and forever.

You took a big first few steps coming here and opening yourself up, and if you're willing to take the next few, we'll be here to help you the rest of the way. Just say the word and we'll be more than happy to help guide you towards your weight loss goals. We'll take great care of ya!

[NeedingHelp]

Originally Posted by Obesity Discussion

Just say the word and we'll be more than happy to help guide you towards your weight loss goals. We'll take great care of ya!

I'm willing to do just about anything (healthy, of course). I need to lose weight, I know that, and I'm ready to do it.

[Obesity Discussion]

Originally Posted by NeedingHelp

I'm willing to do just about anything (healthy, of course). I need to lose weight, I know that, and I'm ready to do it.

That being said, it's really as simple as counting calories. Basically if you have a weight loss goal in mind, say you want to lose 100lbs in the next year, I can tell you exactly how many calories you need to eat on average each day to achieve your goals, and we can give you some tips on how to reduce your temptation to overeat. All I would need are some statistics from you, including height, weight, age, sex, and your activity level each week (how much exercise you plan on doing on average, how much walking or other activity you do, etc. At the end of the day it will be up to you to keep track of what you eat, and we're here to support you along the way.

[Audrey]

Originally Posted by NeedingHelp

I'm willing to do just about anything (healthy, of course). I need to lose weight, I know that, and I'm ready to do it.

I'm so glad you came back to the site! Some people post once and seem to forget about us

I'm glad you only want to pursue the healthy way of loosing weight. That's a great attitude!

Just let OD know your stats and he'll calculate your calories for you (I think he must have a spreadsheet, or a really awesome calculator), and you'll be on your way in no time.

My advice is to buy a little daily journal, with lots of room to write in, and keep all your food and exercise journaled in there. I also keep track of my weight in there, so whenever I'm feeling down on myself, I can look back to my previous weight and I feel a little better. I would also advise starting a weight loss blog if you like to write and can update everyday. I haven't lost much weight by using mine yet , but I like updating it daily with what I'm up to.

[NeedingHelp]

Originally Posted by Obesity Discussion

That being said, it's really as simple as counting calories. Basically if you have a weight loss goal in mind, say you want to lose 100lbs in the next year, I can tell you exactly how many calories you need to eat on average each day to achieve your goals, and we can give you some tips on how to reduce your temptation to overeat. All I would need are some statistics from you, including height, weight, age, sex, and your activity level each week (how much exercise you plan on doing on average, how much walking or other activity you do, etc. At the end of the day it will be up to you to keep track of what you eat, and we're here to support you along the way.

Great. I'm about 5'9, about 279 pounds, 16 year old female. I'd like to lose 50-80 pounds in the next 6 months. Let's say 50 to be more realistic. I guess I'm willing to do whatever activity will get me to that point. I'm not inactive in life, but I don't really like setting out time for exercise. I know I'll have to do that now. How much activity do you think it would be important to focus on each week?

I definitely think I'll need help with tips on how to reduce the temptation to eat.

Originally Posted by Audrey

I'm so glad you came back to the site! Some people post once and seem to forget about us

No way! This seems like a really great community. Thanks for all the suggestions as well.

[Obesity Discussion]

Originally Posted by NeedingHelp

Great. I'm about 5'9, about 279 pounds, 16 year old female. I'd like to lose 50-80 pounds in the next 6 months. Let's say 50 to be more realistic. I guess I'm willing to do whatever activity will get me to that point. I'm not inactive in life, but I don't really like setting out time for exercise. I know I'll have to do that now. How much activity do you think it would be important to focus on each week?

I definitely think I'll need help with tips on how to reduce the temptation to eat.

So here's the deal. If you sit on your butt all day you're going to burn 2500 calories a day all on your own. If you exercise light/moderately 1-3 times a week you'll burn about 2870 calories a day. If you exercise a little more intensely than that for 3-5 days a week, you'll burn 3230 calories a day on average.

That being said, you're looking to lose about 2lbs a week to meet your goals. That means you need to create a 1000 calorie deficit each day. So if you sit around all day with no exercise, then you will need to eat on average about 1500 calories a day in order to lose 2lbs a week over the long term. If you get that light exercise for 1-3 days a week, then you'll need to eat about 1870 calories a day on average to lose 2lbs a week, and if you can get 3-5 days of moderate exercise, you'll need to average eating about 2230 calories a day roughly to lose 2lbs a week.


This is a good starting point for you, just make sure you count all your calories, including beverages, toppings, etc.

Some of the tips to reduce your desire to eat and to help you shed the weight is to drink A LOT of water. As close to 2 liters/1 gallon a day as possible. You may need to work your way up. Chew your food very slow and eat slow. That way you give your brain time to catch up to what your eating. People eat so fast that their brains don't tell their bodies they are full untiul they have overeaten. Put a picture on the fridge for motivation. Maybe a pic of when you looked your best. Some people put scales next to the fridge as well. Try to make as many of your carbs whole grain carbs, and cut out all the sweets/sugar/unhealthy snacks. Try to eat more protein. For someone with your build, I would suggest about 125g of protein per day. This will help you maintain muscle mass while you lose weight and will help you feel full longer. You may want to look into low carb protein shakes and bars to help you with your protein goals.

There are many more tips, but these are just to get you going. Let us know if you have any more questions!

[early riser]

Needing Help....You said....

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I'm not inactive in life, but I don't really like setting out time for exercise. I know I'll have to do that now. How much activity do you think it would be important to focus on each week?

I definitely think I'll need help with tips on how to reduce the temptation to eat.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

This sounds so much like me. EXCEPT I have waited forever (age 54) to lose the extra weight I've put on since I was 20. You are making a start while still in high school, so you should be very proud of yourself.

I began in March of this year, putting aside 30 minutes a day to exercise. I start with 10 minutes of stretching exercise and weight-bearing equipment usage. Then I move on to the treadmill. I'm SLOWLY working my speed up on the treadmill, because I have a high-blood-pressure problem, and find if I go too fast I get dizzy. So take it slowly at first, when starting any exercise program, but you want to work up a sweat within the first 10 minutes.

In addition to this, I have cut down on my portion sizes by about one-half, eating slowly. Other tips:

No pop, not even diet, but water and low-fat milk are fine.

No sweets, other than sugar-free cookies or popsicles now and then. These satisfy my sweet tooth.

Add more fruits and veggies to your diet. You say you like restaurants? Order veggies to replace pasta or potatoes. Restaurants are glad to accommodate you. Replace cafeteria sweets for dessert with apples or bananas or oranges.

Using these methods, I have lost an average of 1 pound a week since March, and have lost about 30 pounds now. It goes slowly, so don't get discouraged!
You say you lost 6 pounds, so that's a good start. Keep track here on your profile, since it's motivating to see how far you've come.

[NeedingHelp]

^ Thank you for your kind post and good suggestions!

[sass63]

Welcome to the boards hun,
Like the others have said your first post is far from pointless! You should be proud of your self that you were able to open so much of yourself up to us.

All of us here have had this struggle for most or all our lives and we can relate to you, I am so happy that you are willing and wanting to take a stand on this issue while you are so young. The older you get the harder it becomes to lose weight and keep it off,

As OD had already pointed out but it can not be stressed enough is that this is a lifestyle change and not a fad diet.

I think its important that you do anything that you can to feel better about yourself. Like getting your nails done or a new hair style ect... Anything that can make you feel better that is not related to eating will make a big difference in how much you do eat and how stressed out you get with all thats going on in your life. We all know high school years are very hard emotionally.

Again welcome to the site I am sure glad you found your way here and please remember no posts are pointless. Just as your feelings are never pointless.

[NeedingHelp]

I'm back, and even more lost, and I don't mean weight. I don't mean to seem like I only come here in times of need but I'm just so busy all of the time with school and extra curricular and trying to have some kind of life besides school.

I'm 17 now... and I've probably gained over 25 pounds since I last posted here. I can't even believe it, I'm completely out of control. I don't want to die early, and I want to be happy.

I'm depressed, depressed beyond what I've ever felt before. I don't want to be around my family and I HATE going to school. I can't even describe how much I hate school. My grades are always on my mind and I'm so desperate to lose weight. So desperate...

I hate my life right now, I hate it.

I know I need to lose weight, I know how to do it but I can't push myself. I'm so physically and mentally exhausted that when I come from school the last thing I want to do is exercise. When I see good food, I eat it. I want to, and I tell myself I'll start eating better later. Another time, next time, tomorrow, next week, next month... that's what my life is now. Making it to the next day, finishing my homework for the next class, eating better next week... It's all numbers and it's all plans and nothing I actually want to do anymore.

I guess I just needed to vent somewhere, there's probably nothing anyone can tell me but suck it up and do what I need to do. The sad thing is I know that, and I don't want to...

[Mira]

Hey NeedingHelp,
Your post touched my heart. I am literally seeing my past in you. Don't worry dear you will be all right.

I don't have time to post about my experience.

Will do it soon. Take care

[torialeigh]

First of all let me say that I know. I was almost the same way in highschool, and I get how frustrating it is when no one understands and they think that you couldn't have any problems because you are only 17. And it's hard as hell. But you WILL be okay.

Changing you life is HARD! and it's okay if you slip up, as long as you keep living. Don't let your weight stop you from being you.

You are not a fat person, you are just a person who happens to be fat. Don't let your weight define you. When I was in high school I let me weight define me and I was so self concious about it that I wouldn't let myself do anything. I wouldn't talk to new people (much less a guy). I told myself that I was just shy, but really I didn't think I was worth it. "Why would they want to be friends with a fat girl?" I was so wrong.

About halfway through my junior year, thanks to two really amazing friends, I realized that they were my friends because they liked me as a person, and it didn't really matter how big that person was. Because of them I slowly began to crawl out of the cave I had put myself in and realized that I could do all of the things that I wouldn't let myself do. Over that next summer I began to make more friends who were actually worth making, and began to be more outgoing and try new things. I'm a freshman in college right now, and I don't think that my friends here would recognize the high schooler that I was before (actually they probably wouldn't notice her).

I don't know exactly what kind of person you are (shy, outgoing, ect), but I do know that once you stop letting your weight define you, it becomes much easier to lose it, because everything else isn't depending on it anymore.

Now that I've rambled on for a bit, the first suggestion I have for you is to start slow; you don't have to change your entire life in one day. The thing that I found easiest to incorporate into my life is water. Get a water bottle and start slow. For example, on the first day have a goal of drinking .5 liter of water. Then the next day try for .75 L, and so on until you reach the point where you need to be. Not only does drinking water help you loose weight, it makes you feel amazing because you will have clearer skin and more energy since you aren't deheydrated. (spelling?)


Whatever you do don't give up. Life is hard, and weight is hard, but you can make it, and we'll be here for you.



P.S. these are lyrics to a song that I play on days when everything just goes to heck...hope it helps.


It's been one of those days for a lot of days now
I need a day when the world can take care of itself
This isn't what I wanted how I thought my life would turn out
And I wonder if it's like this from here on out
Sometimes life gets you, but we go on
Sometimes life gets you, we're still going on

We're not done yet
Not going quietly into the night, not me and my friends
We're not done yet, don't take it too seriously
It's just life will win in the end
And we walk on and on and on and we walk on and on

It's been one of those days for too many days now
I did a thing that I didn't want to do again
I fell down in the place where I always fall down and I wanna give up
And let it be what it's been
Sometimes life gets you, but we go one
Sometimes life gets you we're still going on...

We're not done yet
Not going quietly into the night, not me and my friends
We're not done yet, don't take it too seriously
It's just life will win in the end

It's been one of those days but I don't care now
It was only a day and tomorrow's ahead
We got this far and I know that I can ride this one out
Though I want to lie down, well I won't quit yet
Sometimes life gets you, but we go one
Sometimes life gets you we're still going on...

We're not done yet
Not going quietly into the night, not me and my friends
We're not done yet, don't take it too seriously

It's just life will win in the end

[Obesity Discussion]

Originally Posted by NeedingHelp

I'm back, and even more lost, and I don't mean weight. I don't mean to seem like I only come here in times of need but I'm just so busy all of the time with school and extra curricular and trying to have some kind of life besides school.

I'm 17 now... and I've probably gained over 25 pounds since I last posted here. I can't even believe it, I'm completely out of control. I don't want to die early, and I want to be happy.

I'm depressed, depressed beyond what I've ever felt before. I don't want to be around my family and I HATE going to school. I can't even describe how much I hate school. My grades are always on my mind and I'm so desperate to lose weight. So desperate...

I hate my life right now, I hate it.

I know I need to lose weight, I know how to do it but I can't push myself. I'm so physically and mentally exhausted that when I come from school the last thing I want to do is exercise. When I see good food, I eat it. I want to, and I tell myself I'll start eating better later. Another time, next time, tomorrow, next week, next month... that's what my life is now. Making it to the next day, finishing my homework for the next class, eating better next week... It's all numbers and it's all plans and nothing I actually want to do anymore.

I guess I just needed to vent somewhere, there's probably nothing anyone can tell me but suck it up and do what I need to do. The sad thing is I know that, and I don't want to...

Well, here's a question...is there anyone you can partner up with to go on a weight loss quest with you? Humans are competitive by nature and also find it easier to take big plunges when there's someone else involved as well.

As far as exercise goes, could you go in the morning before school? Maybe then you'll have more mental/physical energy? Could you find a partner to go with? I find that when I make a schedule for myself and write down what I'm going to do and when, I'm more likely to follow it. Maybe that could help?

[Takingcharge]

This is very inspirational the pictures are worth a thousand words and it was from weight watchers:

Anne's Weight Watcher Journey · Losing Weight and Getting Healthy FOR GOOD!

Your steps to reaching your goals:

1. Keep Reading and educating on healthy foods, tips, etc. to help lose weight
2. Keep Focused on your goals and start smiling it decreases stress so force a smile if you have to
3. Keep Posting & writing on everything you eat and why, how you feel etc.
4. Keep munching on any crunchy veggies you like, these are Fat burners
baby carrots, broccolli , cabbage, celery, radishes, cherry tomatoes
5.keep sour candies or frozen grapes on hand to curb the cravings,
large pretzel rods are good and low fat popcorn- low calorie
6.Keep drinking bottled Water it makes it handy to glug down all day.
7.Always check your calories on anything you eat. If it's high for a small amount do not eat it or slice it in half.
8.Start Dancing that's right put on that favorite music lock the bedroom door and go at it! You will burn real fast here and reduce that fat storing stress!
9.Get Registered on mydailyplate.com you will learn exactly how many calories you are allowed for each day to lose 2 or more lbs per week and how many calories on every food you ate!
10. Learn to like yourself again have a good talk with your mom on the stress your under, tell her you need her encouragement not her nagging.

Keep us posted we are all here for you!!!

[Mira]

Needinghelp, Are you there?