 I have diabetes. Does taking insulin cause weight gain? |
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=> I hate the weight i am at and im always trying to lose weight. It is really hard to get to the weight i want though because i have type 1 diebetis so i have to eat sugary things some times because my blood sugar is low and im becoming afraid to take my insulin because i keep hearing that insulin makes you gain weight, i really need help i dont know what the problem is because i rarely eat junk food, i only drink diet drinks, i dont eat any meat, chicken, or fish, and ever since i saw super size me 2 years ago i havent touched fast food! Please help me.
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 Kids and adults who have diabetes (type 1 or 2) can not absorb sugar into their cells efficiently without the help of insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, which is an organ near your stomach. This hormone is like a passport for sugar to get into cells. Without it, sugar remains in the blood stream and is eventually peed out in your urine, which is not normal (and part of the reason people with poorly controlled diabetes have to go to the bathroom to urinate a lot). Thus, diabetics who skip or reduce their insulin are able to eat more but still weigh the same compared to another diabetic who does eat properly and keeps their blood sugar levels under good control with insulin.
However, there are huge downsides for a diabetic who skips or avoids taking insulin altogether just so they can eat more. You may not feel it at first, but uncontrolled diabetes can cause a lot of damage to the body such as:
• blindness
• trouble walking
• kidney failure
• inability to feel things (numbness)
• loss of toes, feet, legs
• heart disease
Read or see a video about a girl who developed type 2 diabetes, but did not control her blood sugar levels here: Donna’s Story.
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| A safe rate of weight loss is important. |
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=> I'm 14 years old, andd i weigh 210 pounds. I would like to be atleast 160, and i do exercise sometimes, but i would like to be able to everyday and lose this stupid fat. How could i lose this weight by the end of June, because thats my goal?
(later) I am 14 years old and i weigh 210 lbs. I would like to be 160 by the end of May. How can i do this?
=> hi im 12 yrs old and im looking for a way to lose 10 to 20 pounds by june 1st.but how can i do it in that amount of time?
=> I'm 5'3, 16, weigh 185 lbs. What's a good amount of weight to lose each month, that's healthy, and prevents saggy skin?
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If an overweight child has stopped growing, or is still growing but very overweight, some doctors and dietitians recommend losing 1-2 pounds (1/2 to 1 kg) per week as a safe rate of weight loss. This equates to about 4-8 pounds per month. Losing weight any faster than this most likely means you are losing just water and muscle.
Thus, one who wants to lose 50 pounds (for example going from 210 to 160 pounds) should allow themselves about 1/2 a year to accomplish this goal. Otherwise, even if you lose 50 pounds in only 2-3 months, then you won’t look so good due to reduced muscle mass, possible saggy skin, and finally, you are more likely to gain back much of the weight that you initially lost.
However, losing 10-20 pounds in about 3 months is reasonable. Your doctor can assess your need to lose weight and recommend a safe rate of weight loss for you. |
| My weakness is chocolate! |
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=> I loved reading all the great stories about people being overweight. I do alot of swimming during my daily weeks but I do eat alot of Choclate as well. I do try and stop eating so much choclate bit I can't. It is so hard!
Please help me if you can.
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 You are not alone. Most kids say they find that they have the most problems with sweet and fatty foods and chocolate is often at the top of that list. Chocolate is the most craved food, probably because it's sweet, melts in your mouth and thus is soothing and comforting. Also, chocolate is chewy, especially if it contains nuts, so it relieves stress. Plus, chocolate contains a narcotic-like chemical. Medications that block cravings for narcotics also block cravings for chocolate. If your parents buy chocolate, ask them to hide most or all of the chocolate from you. If you buy it, only buy as much chocolate as you think is reasonable to eat per week (one chocolate bar?). Switching from milk chocolate to dark chocolate can also help some people reduce how much chocolate they eat. If these methods don’t work and chocolate is still putting a crimp in your weight loss plans, consider cutting it out of your diet completely just like any other food you have trouble with eating in moderation. Good luck! |
| Multiple challenges contributing to overweight (including a dangerous neighborhood). |
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=> Okay. I'm 13 in the 7th grade. Im 5'2 I think and I weigh 146 pounds. So here is some problems I have. 1)my mom shopping 2)my moms cooking 3)lack of encouragemant 4)lack of exerxise. I don't want to tell my mother what to buy because is her money. I don't want to tell my mother what to cook or not. And there's my family. My brothers thinks that I can't do it. My sister really didn't care, and my mother was the only one who told me to go for it. I'm a napper because I can't go outside. My neighborhood is quite dangerous so I'm scared to go out. My house has an old treadmill in my brother's room. I asked my mother if she and my brother can move the treadmill to my room. My mother said yes but "later," I've tried to move it myself but my brother would always kick me out of his room, and there were too many things in his room, and it's too heavy for my to carry without scraching the floor. So, what should I do?
=> Ive been obese my whole life.I am not ableto lose the weight because I dont have any place to exercise in this dangerous city.What should i do?
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It's common for kids to face multiple challenges when they want to lose weight. Here are a few things to consider.
1) Mom’s shopping: If you have food items that you prefer or would like to try, write them down. Your mom may be willing to buy them if she knows that you are interested. Her grocery bill may not be affected if it means you eat less of something else. For example, maybe you would like to eat less chips, but in place try something less addictive and more healthy such as air-popped popcorn, string cheese, or pumpkin seeds.
2) Mom’s cooking: You are at the age that you might try cooking a few things with your mom or dad’s supervision. Believe it or not, most parent’s like it when they get some help in the kitchen. Consider offering to prepare a vegetable, make a salad, cook a fruit dessert, or even prepare a main dish once you get comfortable. Your family may appreciate the new food ideas! Check out the recipe links for kids in the post below titled, “What should I eat?”.
3) Lack of support: Losing weight is certainly a lot easier when we have friends and family who support and believe in us. If you feel that you could use more support than your family is currently providing, you can seek additional help from your friends, as well as use online resources such as our bulletin board, and chat rooms.
 4) Lack of exercise (due to dangerous neighborhood or city): You can benefit from doing exercises in your room if you are not comfortable going outside or it's not safe to go outside. Ideas include using a hula hoop, dancing to music, using a jump rope if you have enough room (garage or rooms with high ceilings work well), video led aerobic exercises, and even computer led activities found here and here. Your community might have a YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, Camp Fire USA, Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts group that can provide after-school physical activities within a safe environment.
Please consider coming by Lucy chat. It is held every Wednesday evening, 7pm Eastern Time. Lucy would love to meet you and help you in losing weight. |
| What should I eat? |
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=> could you help me create a healthy eating plan ?
=> what to eat (i'm kinda picky)
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The simplest way to modify your eating habits is to choose smaller portions (or no seconds) of what you currently eat. This does not require any changes in your parents shopping or cooking skills, you just eat less than you do now.
Many kids mindlessly snack while watching TV or doing homework. Try to eat all your meals sitting down at the kitchen or dining room table so that you are more aware of what and how much you are eating.
Test your food choices by playing the MyPyramidBlastOffGame: This interactive computer game reinforces the key concepts of MyPyramid for Kids. Students can reach Planet Power by fueling their rocket with food and physical activity. “Fuel” tanks for each food group help students keep track of how their choices fit into MyPyramid.
If you have the desire and option to try preparing some snacks and meals on your own, consider the following websites for helpful ideas. As a general rule, home-cooked foods have more healthy nutrients than store bought processed foods. Ask your parent or guardian if they can help you make these recipes.
Don't do it alone! All recipes should be made with parental supervision.
FreshForKids: Winter recipe favorites (Some recipes use the metric system (grams). Convert to US measurements here.)
Fruits&VeggiesMoreMatters: Kid Friendly Recipes
RecipeZaar: Healthy Recipes (Type in an ingredient in the search box. Get all the recipes that contain that ingredient!) |
| Self Esteem Needs a Boost |
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=> Hello, i'm 14 years old and i weigh 210 pounds,
I really have low self esteem. What can i do?
=> I'm 17 years old, 5'3 and weigh 180 lbs. I'm tired of feeling like I'm not good enough. And I'm tired of being made fun of by people who don't even know me, just because of how much i weigh. I've tried dieting so many times, but one way or other, I just give up cause it's "too hard". i was just wondering if you had any tips for me, or workout ideas, diets, etc. Is it possible to lose 15-20 lbs in a month? And would it be healthy? And also, if I lost that much by eating really well, and staying really active everyday.. would I get saggy skin? I'm ready to get thin and healthy. Please answer, I have no where else to turn! Thank you!
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Being a kid can be rough at any body size. Sometimes overweight kids have to deal with extra teasing and dirty looks too. There are ways to boost your self esteem even before you reach your healthy weight goal.
We need fuel to feel good about ourselves. However, this should be a separate tank from the food put into fuel our bodies for energy. Learn more about how to tell the difference between filling your food tank versus keeping your happy feeling tank full by reading about The Tale of Two Tanks (Part 1, Part 2)
Also consider
• Writing down something everyday that you are proud of from that day. This could be things like smiling at a stranger, receiving a good score on a quiz, or getting a little more exercise by walking home from school. Writing down positive things helps to drown out teasing and negative thoughts. This will increase your good thoughts and feelings.
• Taking a group music class, joining a team sport or after school club helps many kids to feel better about themselves. Here people will learn more about you outside of your body size and get to know the real you.
More Self Esteem Tips from Lucy
P.S. Yes it’s possible to lose 15-20 pounds month, but it is not healthy unless you are extremely obese. One reason to not lose weight quickly is to avoid saggy skin (see answer to "Saggy, excess, or extra skin after loosing lots of weight" 10 posts below). |
| Tips for Overweight Friends? |
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=> I am 10 years old. I have a few friends that have weight promblemes but they dont want anoyone to know. Do you think you could give me a few tips that I could tell them?
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Most kids already know they need to eat less and exercise more to lose weight. But as a friend, you can help them in working towards their healthy weight goals by eating more healthily with them. If they have certain weaknesses for foods they want to give up, such as pop and chips, then it would help if you didn’t eat these food around them either. When getting together, avoid fast food places. Offer to join them in exercises such as neighborhood walks or bicycle rides. Most kids find that doing activities with a buddy makes exercise much more fun.
Here is a tip for overweight kids who would like help from their friends in losing weight. A Little Help From My Friends Several possible reasons why your friends "don't want anyone to know" is because sometimes other kids tease and challenge their weight loss efforts. Or your friends don't want to put you or other buddies in the position of critiquing their weight status, which can be a touchy subject.
You might ask your friends in what ways you can support their decision to lose weight. They may have additional ideas! Also, offer your friends congratulations when they are able to lose some weight. Resisting overeating can be really tough for overweight kids.
The best help you can give your overweight friends is to be a friend! |
| Exercise Challenges |
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=> PLEASE HELP!!!!! im very very fat i need things that i can do to work out with out over workinbg myself or hurting myself my bros make fun of me same with all the boys in my grade I MEAN ALL OF THEM
=> Ok i'm 14 years old female and i weight 126 and my height is exactly 5 feet 0 inches. My goal weight is 110 to 106 pounds so how can i acheive this goal. I'm so sick of hearing eat healthy, and exercise. How can i exercise?my school doesnt have sports that i'm interested in so how would i do this.
PLEASE HELP WIZ
=> Hello, i'm 14 years old and i weigh 210 pounds, i have asthma and i can't exersize for more than like 5 minutes.
I want to be pretty and thin like most people i know. What can i do?
=> is there things arond the house that u could do to keep fit and it can something to do with cleanning up i hate cleanning up.:] plz answer
=> hi im an 11 year old girl and i way over 140 pounds i have athsma and i have spots on my heart but those 2 have been checked out i need to know how to lose weight i like to eat i try not to i exercise but it doesnt help what can i do
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Lots of people who are overweight say that activity is too hard to do. Some complain that it is too hard on their joints. Others say it hurts when their thighs rub together. Or they may get so short of breath they can hardly do anything. Sometimes, people decide they will work on healthy eating first then increasing activity. That is okay! Make a plan that you will start incorporating activity soon, though. Consider adding small amounts of low impact activity first. This can be walking for five minutes. Remember, you are not in a race to lose weight. Slow and steady wins every time!
 Each person will have their preference for how they want to exercise. Some like a schedule and equipment, such as visiting the gym several times a week. Others like to get exercise on a moments notice by going on a walk, popping in an exercise video, or simply doing extra chores around the house. Getting a friend or family member to join you in activities can also be very rewarding.
Ideas for Increasing Your Physical Activity can be found within Lucy's Tips in the school section. Other helpful websites for activity ideas include:
Kidnetic (game ideas to get you moving from your computer chair)
ToneTeen (click on body parts to see specific exercises)
KidzWorld (includes indoor exercise ideas) |
| What does overweight actually mean? |
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=> explain what does it mean to have 15lbs of fat
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 Fifteen pounds of fat is like carrying around 3 bricks. One brick weighs 5 pounds, so 3 bricks x 5 pounds would equal 15 pounds of extra weight. Check out “What does overweight actually mean” on our website to see how comparing fat to bricks can help you visualize this burden.
Some body fat is okay and essential for normal body functions. But if you are overweight or obese, then the extra weight is usually from excess fat. If you are exceptionally athletic, then some of the extra weight is due to muscle.
This young man is wearing a 20 pound excess body fat vest. It is used to help people to understand the physical changes that occur with weight gain. |
| How do I lose weight? |
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=> i need to lose weight but im having trouble
=> i really need to loose weight. i am 13 and have the worst eating habit. i just can't break it. i need MAJOR help!
=> Hey how do i not become over weight I eat healty and stuff but im still over weight and i exercise
=> Is that a true story and i am 11 and 275 lbs any idears how i can lose it ?
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Being overweight is a result of consuming more calories than we burn off. Part of the solution is to figure out why our brains tell us to  eat more than we require. It is usually easiest to lose weight by decreasing the amount of food eaten, although a combination of better portion control and increased physical activity help the most in losing weight and keeping it off.
If you have trouble eating less than you currently consume, explore some of the possible reasons why you may be overeating:
Can’t resist junk or fast food? or maybe even...
A feeling of anxiety when you can't have your favorite foods (addiction)
Boredom?
Stress?
Depression?
Pressure to eat oversize portions or high calorie foods from family and friends?
A good place to start learning about overeating and how to control it can be found at our "How do I lose weight?" page in the Healthy School section.
Note: Lucy, Ashlie, and the Wiz are fictional characters, although the characters are based on fact. |
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