From Kelli, Age 17 - 01/01/04 - IP#: 4.7.44.xxx  Click here to reply  
I have a problem. My best friend "Sara" is overweight and has been gaining quite a lot over the past few months. I know I shouldn't be minding other people's business, but her being my best friend, I feel partially responsible and protective of her. Her parents are complete junkies, her mom being overweight and not caring at all and her dad frequently away on business. Lately she doesn't want to go jogging with me or do anything outdoorsy. Yesterday we went shopping and when she found that she no longer could find clothes at Abercrombie, she went down to the food court and stuffed herself. I don't know how to approach her at all, Im not dumb to think that she doesn't know about her weight, but I dont know how to open up the subject and try to get her motivated to loose so as to be healthy and be able to do more active things. Her self confidence has also gone down, we go to a high school full of rich, beautiful girls who all were size 2s. Any advice on how to approach her and get her motivated to loose weight for her own health? She is also really sensitive on the subject. Or should I just back off? Please Respond! Thanks. Peace.
Reply from Linda, Age 16 - 01/01/04  - IP#: 205.188.209.xxx
Hey! I can understand your problem, because I have been placed in the same situation. Tell her that you are getting worried about your weight and would like to go on some sort of diet or start using a fun exercise video but you don't want to do it by yourself because your afraid you won't stick to it. Then ask her to go on one with you, if she still resists then just try to get her to walk around the block or something simple like that.
 
Reply from Becca, Age 14 - 01/01/04  - IP#: 24.194.253.xxx
For a lot of people, weight is a sensative subject...But im really glad that you want her to be happy and fit etc. My advice would be to wait until your friend brings it up. Yes, its hard to leave the subject alone because you really care about your friend, but shes going through a lot of other things that need to be delt with before she can take off the weight. I think you just need to be there for your friend and help her through when she SAYS she needs it. Who knows, she could really like the way she looks, or she could just really need help. There is know way to know until she tells you honostly, and until then you need to leave the matter alone. I hope I helped a little bit. Peace.
 
Reply from dave, Age 12 - 01/01/04  - IP#: 24.129.117.xxx
ok, i guess i'm not one to be giving advice (i am only twelve), but ask her why she hasn't been doing outdoorsy stuff with u anymore. Also, try not to say stuff to her directly. like, instead of saying "You'd look great if u loost a few pounds", point out other people at the mall or whatever and say "That person would look great if she lost a few lbs. You'd look great too". Just try and tell her kinda softly. Hope this helps