~ QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ~

Here is where we answer your questions about your weight and reaching your weight goal. Our site provides general health information only and cannot give medical advice.
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 I'm so tired of the teasing. What can I do?

=> Hi Lucy. I have a question about my weight im 13 and i weigh 160 am i over wiehgt and feel like i am i just teased every single day of my life

=> please help me lose weight i have moved school so many times because of bulling about my weight. can you give me some tipson how to lose weight i would apreashate it

=> I'm 125 pounds,11 years old and am 4 feet 7 inches.I have 100% body fat. people tease me.what should i do

 Bullying and teasing are common problems for kids who are overweight. Here are some strategies that may minimize or stop the taunting so that you don’t feel pressured to change schools, be home-schooled, or otherwise alter your schedule just because of the teasing.

  • Notice other people who are being teased and ask them to join you in activities. Not only is there the opportunity to make new friends, but safety in numbers may quiet down the bully.
  • Join a club or sport so that others may have the opportunity to get to know you better and to increase your friendship circle.
  • If you know a friend of someone who is teasing you, ask them if they can convince the person who is teasing you to stop.
  • Write down something everyday that you are proud of accomplishing or a positive event. This way, good feelings can help drown out the bad ones you may experience from teasing.
  • If the same type of teasing happens repeatedly, try practicing a response in front of the mirror, or ask a trusted adult how to respond if you don’t feel comfortable with your ideas.
  • Try the “Greta Garbo” method, which does not require you to make any verbal response to the bully. See the “How to Deal with Bullies” tip to learn more about this particular technique.
  • As you can see from the multiple questions above, you are not alone! And remember, teasing is not your fault. It comes from the insecurities of the person trying to pick on you. Ultimately, you will probably be a stronger person for having to endure the experience, but repeated teasing and bullying needs to be stopped.

    Please explore our Healthy Weight School to learn the basics about “How Do I Lose Weight?


  •  Is it okay to stop eating for an entire day?

    => I dont know exactly how much i weigh but.......i want to loose weight and i dont know how im thinking about not eating for a whole entire day but i dont know if thats safe or not......i see all of these girls that are tall and SKINNY my parents say that im thin and skinny but i dont feel the same way. What should i do??????? =(

     First, you should figure out whether you are overweight or not by finding a scale and visiting our weight calculator or seeing your doctor. But don’t guess as to whether you are overweight or not by visually comparing yourself to a select group of “skinny girls”. If you find that you are truly overweight, then consider making changes to your diet and exercise levels. Have a look at the many Lucy tips for losing weight.

    Not eating for a certain period of time, such as an entire day, is also called fasting. Fasting for special days of the year has been practiced in many different religions for thousands of years, but these religions often exclude children from this practice. While short-term fasting in adults may have some health benefits such as a reduced risk of diabetes and insulin dependence, this is not recommended for kids who are still growing. Religions also do NOT make weight loss a goal of fasting.

    Here is what not eating for one entire day will do for you as a kid:

    Pros: None

    Cons:

    • Crankiness and irritability
    • Increased risk for binging at the end of your fast, possibly leading to weight gain
    • No noticeable change in weight
    • Deprivation of nutrients important for a growing body
    Lucy hopes you will not attempt to use fasting as a means to lose weight.


     I’ve injured my knee/ankle and now I have a hard time exercising. What should I do?

    => i'm 14 and i'm a freshman. i've been overweight for as long i can remember. last time i checked i believe it was like 227. i injured my right knee and my left ankle last summer and they never really heeled right. that is what stops me the most from exercising. i'm afraid if i over do it. i'll for sure pay for it afterwards. bacause even just walking on the treadmill for 30 minutes makes my knee sore for a couple of days. and my ankle hurts pretty much when i try to jog or something small like that. i just really want to lose the weight so i can live life happily without having people judge me for my weight rather than my personality. and i can branch out and be who i feel inside instead of being that quiet girl in the corner who no one knows nor cares about. any tips would help. please and thank you ooh so much(:

     Being overweight can really put a lot of stress on joints such as the knees. Listen to your body if you do feel pain after exercise. Jogging and running can be especially hard on knees, even for normal weight people. Consult with your doctor or a physical therapist for specific exercises, but if 30 minutes of walking causes soreness for more than a day, try shorter time increments such as walking 5 -10 minutes at a time. Other ways to reduce stress on the knees/ankles but still getting a work-out include walking in a swimming pool, using hiking sticks if walking for any considerable distance outside, doing exercises while sitting down in a chair (look for videos on this at the library), upside down bicycle motions with the legs, and the use of fitness equipment that has low/no-impact on joints such as elliptical trainers and row machines. Gym attendants can usually show you how these exercise machines work.

    While you are starting to use work-outs that do not perpetuate the pain in your joints, also consider what you can do on the food aspect of weight loss. Try to identify reasons for your over-eating and take steps to reduce your intake by visiting our Healthy Weight School. Even though you’ve been overweight most of your life, if you are ready to make the change, you can become a healthier YOU!


     I’m having trouble finding clothes that fit me.

    => we should talk about clothes and how hard it is to find them

     You’re right. There is a need for more information about clothes for overweight kids. For that reason, we recently created a bulletin board specifically for clothing and fashion on this website. In the future, you can find the link for this Clothing & Fashion Board under both the pre-teen and teen bulletin board icons. Already kids are posting questions and receiving answers about fashion tips and where to shop. Join the conversation!


     I’m obsessed with food. Help!

    => ok so how do you over come a food obession??

    => I know if I don't stop thinking of food it could get serious I'm not really overweight but I'm scared I might get overweight.Do you know were I could get healthy eating charts I could use to help me do better before it gets serious.

    => i am 26 a know a lil to older but i came across ur web site and like it. my questions is i weight 310 pounds i really want to loose weight but it so hard i find my self going to diet teacher but i can’t stop eating when i should. how can i help my self from over eating even when i cant stop?

     For some people, food can be like a drug to which they become addicted, particularly junk food. Quitting junk food can be tough. Identify the kinds of food that you find yourself pigging out on. Do you tend to eat salty items and easily go through a whole bag of chips? Or perhaps you have a sweet tooth and often snack on ice cream, cookies, and chocolate. Chose one or two of your problem foods and make plans to cut them completely out of your diet. Visit Lucy’s tip on Saying Goodbye to the Food Drug. You may experience some feelings of withdrawal (irritable, antsy, skin crawling) for several weeks, so click here for ideas on alternative Foods to Help You Fight Through Cravings.


     Do I have to exercise? Are there fun ways to lose weight?

    => i want to try to lose some weight, but i can't seem to stick to any routines like exercise or anything like that. is there any other ways that i can lose some extra weight?

    => I am overweight for my age. A lot of people tell me 2 drink a lot of water, butits kinda not workin 4 me! do you have any fun ideas on exercising and dieting or any at all?!!

     Although everyone should get some regular physical activity whether they are overweight or not, exercise is not essential for losing weight (although it is helpful!). If exercise is too much for you, focus on healthy eating first. Are you overeating? Changing your eating habits is often very helpful in losing weight. Read "Are You Full of It?" to learn how to recognize what you feel like when you are full vs. overfull. This may be your key to weight loss!

    To make reducing your food intake fun, find distracting activities that you enjoy. It can be a great way to distract you from the temptations of food. If you are not one for exercise routines, mix it up by doing different activities such as walking the dog, vacuuming, washing the car, playing hide-n-seek, and dancing in your room. More ideas can be found here. Look for activities that interest YOU. Sometimes it may help to have someone exercise with you, such as a family member or friend. An online weight loss buddy can help keep you motivated. Good luck! Remember weight loss is not a race. Small changes in your diet and activities over the weeks can really add up.


     Am I overweight? How do I find out?

    => I'm 14 years old, 151 centimeters tall (4’ 11”), my waist is 27 inches and I weigh between 112 and 115 pounds. I was wondering how should I lose weight and do I even need to lose weight, I've already started running, skipping and doing push-ups I even try to eat better, also how many calories do you recommend I eat a day and for how long and how many days a week should I exercise.

    => I dont understand the weight calculator. so Ill just ask. I am 15 years old and I weigh 74kg is that overweight. to me I look overweight I hate who i am, im always depressed about my weight.

    => i not that over weight but my grandma says i am iam 12 years old and i my weight is 137 but i look like iam not over weight but am i?

    => How much should an 12 year old girl weigh

    => i am 11 and i weight 105 is this normal because thats what my doc says

    => I think I'm over weight but my friends say I'm not even my parents do... But I think they are wrong. I really really want to lose some weight, look slimmer, feel good about my shape. Could you help me please?

    => i am twelve years of age and i weigh over thirteen stone ?lbs am i obese or just over weight

     The best way to figure out whether you fall within the healthy, overweight, or obese weight range, is to calculate your BMI (Body Mass Index). This number reflects how your weight compares to your height. We have a link to this calculator on the homepage, but here is a direct link to the Weight Calculator. You can choose to input your measurements in either U.S., British (stone), or metric forms. After you select the measurement system, enter your birthday, weight, height, and whether you are male or female. The results will show not only your BMI, but also the healthy weight range recommended for you.

    For more about appropriate calorie and exercise levels, you can use the following links as general guidelines. The “Calorie Capers” tip includes a chart for calorie recommendations based your age, sex, and activity level. Exercise is good for everyone, whether you're overweight or not. Exercise Smart by moving enough to get your heart beating faster than average for one hour most days of the week.


     How do I lose weight?

    => Hey Lucy this one of ur fellow bubblebusters and i am enspierd by u and i am 11. All my friends can run 4 long distances but I can barley run help me Lucy please give me more tips and ensiration

    => hi lucy! I weigh 150 -ish pounds and I'm 5.2 in height. I know im overweight i just don't know what to do. my dad is a chiropracter and even says that i am overweight and is trying to help me, but its not really working. Please Help Me!

    => hi lucy im almost 200! im in miiddle school now [in the 6 grade] so how did you lose weight?

    => I'm soo fat!I am 10 and I am 150 pounds! ME and my mom have a plan but I dont know! How can I lose wieght before middle school?

    => I'm 11 about to turn 12 and i weight about 138 pounds. I don't think my weight is healthy for my age. I have always been lanky and more on the skinny side....I feel so different now and my mother says my weight finally caught up to me...is there like a pan that i should follow? where i do more slowly each day...i dont want a drastic change I just want to be on the safe side... help me please LUCY!!

    => i am 11 years old, i weigh 121 pounds and i am 5ft tall. i went on the BMI calculator and it says that i am overweight what can i do to loose weight? (at least lose 10-20 pounds).

    => i am 12 and 220 pounds i will be 13 in may i am the heviest person in my grade i am in seventh grade i know about eating healthy but i dont in gym i am always the last person when we run i look like i am 7 months pregnet how do i lose weight i would like to be at least 180 please

    => I'm A 11 year old girl in sixth grade and i am 129 pounds.i am 5'2 and i need to lose 29 pounds please help!

     Most all of you know that eating in moderation should help one lose weight. But why is this so much easier said than done? Overeating can be one tough habit to break. Learn to identify what causes you to overeat (addiction to junk food and fast food, excessive portion sizes, emotional triggers such as stress, depression, and boredom) and combine it with support (whether through bulletin boards or chat groups for overweight kids, friends and/or family). Information about factors that cause you to overeat plus support systems can go a long ways towards helping you to achieve your weight loss goals. Check out our How Do I Lose Weight page within our Healthy Weight School section to learn more about overeating and actions you can take to start breaking this bad habit.


     I want to lose weight by (insert date here) because of (insert special occasion or reason here). Help?

    => I am in highschool. I decided to run track but after i run im so hungry so i eat alot of food but i want to stop and look great for the summer, plus im tall so i want to be tall and have great legs and stomach..but how can i do this?

    => I need SERIOUS help im 12 and i weigh 160lbs. i need help because its not good 4 my helth and im going on my dream vac. in july. im so embaresed i dont even like to swim in my backyard. i have to wear a 1 peice. iv never been able to wear a bikini. i need tips, or anything plz

    => i am 13 i am 123 LBS and i am 4 11 i am having a party at the beach april 27 it is march 26 and i kinda want to be in a bikini!! like i am desperate i mean i know i am pretty but i know i will not get a boy friend unless i lose weight...HELP

    => I am going on a vacation to California on June 28th to see my grandparents.I haven't seen them in two years so I really want to impress them by how I look. I weigh 104lbs. and I am 4ft 6in. Any idea how much weight I should lose and how to lose it?

     Having a goal for weight loss is great, but make sure that it is realistic time-wise and weight-wise. It’s common for kids to want to lose a substantial amount of weight in a short period of time, but this is usually not healthy and often results in failure. Summer time, a dream vacation, a dance, party, or back-to-school are great motivational reasons to lose weight, but you most likely want this extra weight off for good, right?

    Many doctors and dieticians recommend losing 1 to 2 pounds (1/2 to 1 kg) per week as a safe rate of weight loss. What rate is best depends on how much you are overweight plus if you are still growing or not. Please consult your doctor or nurse practitioner before attempting any significant weight loss to learn the best goals for you.

    To get an idea of your healthy weight range, visit our weight calculator page. Based on what your health professional recommends as a healthy rate of weight loss and the time frame before your next event, you may or may not be able to achieve your first goal. If not, do not despair, learn to set more reasonable goals and you may at least be part way to a healthier you at your next exciting event. Check out what other kids have to say about setting realistic weight expectations on our new Kids Helping Kids page.

    If it seems difficult putting weight loss plans into action (in other words, cutting back food, eating healthier, and exercising), please read How Do I Lose Weight to learn about strategies to break the overeating habit.


     I’m confused about short-term weight changes.

    => me and mother are on weight watchers. well last night i went over to my friends house and we ate like we used to eat and like ive lost more weight. im shock because a was expecting to gain a couple pounds but i lost it instead. why did i lose instead of gain it ?

     Day-to-day fluctuations in weight often do not reflect true fat loss or gain. Some factors that may influence short term weight changes include water retention or loss due to a change in salt intake, vigorous exercise, and hormonal variations during menstrual cycles. Even the weight of the food itself needs to be taken into consideration until after digestion is finished.

    To get the most accurate scale readings, try weighing yourself at the same time each day and wearing the same clothing. Ideally, weigh yourself in the morning before eating and without any clothes on.

    Keep in mind that burning actual FAT is a slow process that will take longer than just a few days to see reflected in scale readings. Be careful not to get too depressed or exhilarated about rapid changes in weight because chances are that it is not due to fat gain or loss, but other more temporary factors.

      Click Here To See Page 20 Of The Q&A Area  

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