Message Replying To

From Danielle, Age 11

I'm overweight! I weigh 215 lbs and am only 11! Everyone in my school says "Dani, you're not fat!" I am, though. I am not too tall, about 5"1'. I can't see any sign of me looking any which way skinny. I'm so insecure and have mad low self esteem. I am a lazy bum, I will admit this. But, my momma won't let me go outside ever, though! I ask her every day and all she says was "No, but you can go sit on the porch," in a serious way. This boy Andrew in my class is my friend, but he always makes fun of my fat and rubs it all in. I never shot any smart remarks to him because he's really short! Also, this boy Ali can never stop acting like a big baby around me. This one girl Twannisha was talking to one of my friends, Connie in the lunch line, whispering to Connie about my size 18 waist. I heard over it, and I was extremely hurt. Sometimes, I don't care what people say about me. Though, sometimes I think about it and all of the negative vibes erupt from the least of my thoughts to the most of them. All I want is some respect! I can't get any if I'm fat, because people think of me as a lazy, ugly, boring, dork, geek, fat, goody goody, rude girl from my appearance. Especially since I am about to graduate Elementary school... and the BIG swimming trip is closely approaching! Do any of you have advice for me? About how to deal with these people or how do lose some pounds? Anything will be greatly appreciated.