Ok im not sure if I'm doing any of this right... so I'm giving it a shot
Im 16 years old and really obese. Well I think Im obese, not one of my friends think so. I get called all the cruel names you could imagine, I'm really big for my age. I have a gym memership and never have the mind to go. I walk once a day for 30-60 minutes.I also have tried so many diets but they never work. Everything I do seems like im packing on more and more weight. I need so much help. I have been big my whole life and it runs in my family. And I don't want to keep the family tradition for long.
Janelle
:bb: :db:

Ok im not sure if I'm doing any of this right... so I'm giving it a shot
Im 16 years old and really obese. Well I think Im obese, not one of my friends think so. I get called all the cruel names you could imagine, I'm really big for my age. I have a gym memership and never have the mind to go. I walk once a day for 30-60 minutes.I also have tried so many diets but they never work. Everything I do seems like im packing on more and more weight. I need so much help. I have been big my whole life and it runs in my family. And I don't want to keep the family tradition for long.
Janelle
:bb: :db:

Janelle,
Welcome to JSF Forums. I'm glad you're here. There are many people here like you, and most of us are being transformed into more healthy people. You can do it, too. I would not have been able to make half the progress I've made without the education and encouragement from these forums, and I hope you find the same.

To begin with, take a look at the "stickies" at the top of each forum. Especially read the one that Marcus wrote on nutrition for fat loss. Nutrition is the most important part of fat loss. With a bad diet, you can walk 6 hours a day, and still gain fat. With a good diet, you can sit on the couch all day and lose fat. If you are confused about nutrition (like I was, when I started at age 29), I think you should drop the walking and spend that time learning about nutrition -- it will make a big difference in the long run.

However, if you have the time -- keep walking -- that's great! That really helps. If you can, try walking a little faster each week. Try to go a little further in the same amount of time.

Hope this helps -- again, glad you're here. I hope you keep us updated with your progress.

Hi Janelle!

There is a couple things you need to do first. One, is to realize that even if you were perfect, the idiots in high school would STILL find something to pick on you about. It doesn't matter if it is your weight, or your hair color, or clothes - whatever - people target others, especially in highschool. So losing weight shouldn't be done because of your peers and their stupid targeting practices. You will never be able to please them, and it isn't about them, it's about YOU.

Secondly, you need to know where you are REALLY at. Here is a site full of wonderful information to help you out : http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/ There is a link on that site called "body" and it has several areas of interest regarding your health, nutrition, weight and whether dieting/etc is right for you. I also would highly reccomend after you figure out your BMI (which is different than an adults, because you are NOT done growing yet) that you then take all the information and go and have a chat with your family physician. You need to make sure that there isn't some other force at work, and that you are cleared for the type of diet/exercise you are thinking about undertaking. You also need a clear perspective on where you are and where you need to be, not anything based on what your peers think, or magazines, or any other form of media.

I'm completely serious about doing these things, and that weblink I posted will help you figure a lot of this out and answer a lot of questions. Once you know which direction you need to go, it'll be a lot easier to focus and get there. The biggest key in all of this is knowing where you should be.

Hi Janelle!

There is a couple things you need to do first. One, is to realize that even if you were perfect, the idiots in high school would STILL find something to pick on you about. It doesn't matter if it is your weight, or your hair color, or clothes - whatever - people target others, especially in highschool. So losing weight shouldn't be done because of your peers and their stupid targeting practices. You will never be able to please them, and it isn't about them, it's about YOU.

Secondly, you need to know where you are REALLY at. Here is a site full of wonderful information to help you out : http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/ There is a link on that site called "body" and it has several areas of interest regarding your health, nutrition, weight and whether dieting/etc is right for you. I also would highly reccomend after you figure out your BMI (which is different than an adults, because you are NOT done growing yet) that you then take all the information and go and have a chat with your family physician. You need to make sure that there isn't some other force at work, and that you are cleared for the type of diet/exercise you are thinking about undertaking. You also need a clear perspective on where you are and where you need to be, not anything based on what your peers think, or magazines, or any other form of media.

I'm completely serious about doing these things, and that weblink I posted will help you figure a lot of this out and answer a lot of questions. Once you know which direction you need to go, it'll be a lot easier to focus and get there. The biggest key in all of this is knowing where you should be.

Wow! Great post! I agree with everything here!

Hi Janelle!

There is a couple things you need to do first. One, is to realize that even if you were perfect, the idiots in high school would STILL find something to pick on you about. It doesn't matter if it is your weight, or your hair color, or clothes - whatever - people target others, especially in highschool. So losing weight shouldn't be done because of your peers and their stupid targeting practices. You will never be able to please them, and it isn't about them, it's about YOU.

Secondly, you need to know where you are REALLY at. Here is a site full of wonderful information to help you out : http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/ There is a link on that site called "body" and it has several areas of interest regarding your health, nutrition, weight and whether dieting/etc is right for you. I also would highly reccomend after you figure out your BMI (which is different than an adults, because you are NOT done growing yet) that you then take all the information and go and have a chat with your family physician. You need to make sure that there isn't some other force at work, and that you are cleared for the type of diet/exercise you are thinking about undertaking. You also need a clear perspective on where you are and where you need to be, not anything based on what your peers think, or magazines, or any other form of media.

I'm completely serious about doing these things, and that weblink I posted will help you figure a lot of this out and answer a lot of questions. Once you know which direction you need to go, it'll be a lot easier to focus and get there. The biggest key in all of this is knowing where you should be.


I know I have to learn not to care what people think. I hear so much negative things coming from everyone. My brother he calls me fat when I'm way smaller then him, My other brother calls me fat and you would not believe this but my mom called me fat the other day which really hurt :( I have talked to my doctor and she says it would be best if I lost some but didn't tell me how too. I seriously don't know how to lose weight a healthy way and keep it off. I have about 80 extra lbs I want off which is quite a bit for my age. I've tried Dr.phils diets for teens, weight watchers, slim fast, magazine diets, and many more.

I know I have to learn not to care what people think. I hear so much negative things coming from everyone. My brother he calls me fat when I'm way smaller then him, My other brother calls me fat and you would not believe this but my mom called me fat the other day which really hurt :( I have talked to my doctor and she says it would be best if I lost some but didn't tell me how too. I seriously don't know how to lose weight a healthy way and keep it off. I have about 80 extra lbs I want off which is quite a bit for my age. I've tried Dr.phils diets for teens, weight watchers, slim fast, magazine diets, and many more.


well... how long did you try those other diets for? do you lift weights at all? is there a weight room at your high school? have you talked to the coach at your school? he/she might be able to help you. there is a LOT of good information on this site. I would suggest reading the sticky post at the top of the fat loss section about diets and keep in mind that the more muscle you have, the more fat you will burn through out the day, so lifting weights is a very good idea. the most important thing to remember though, is this... you didn't gain those extra pounds overnight, and you won't lose them that fast either... it takes time and persistance... don't give up on a way of eating after just a couple of weeks... give any program you try at LEAST six weeks before you decide if it's right for you... women don't always see results right away... it takes us longer to rev up our matabolism (usually) than it does men... so read the stickys on diet and excersices and try to pull a plan together... once you have an idea of what you should do, post it here and we'll help you tweak it... but I think it would be a good idea to follow Savyart's recomendations as well. :gl:

I know I have to learn not to care what people think. I hear so much negative things coming from everyone. My brother he calls me fat when I'm way smaller then him, My other brother calls me fat and you would not believe this but my mom called me fat the other day which really hurt :( I have talked to my doctor and she says it would be best if I lost some but didn't tell me how too. I seriously don't know how to lose weight a healthy way and keep it off. I have about 80 extra lbs I want off which is quite a bit for my age. I've tried Dr.phils diets for teens, weight watchers, slim fast, magazine diets, and many more.

I know it is really terrible that your own family particularly your mother talks to you that way. I know how hurtful that must feel and make you feel like you want to cry. I am sorry that you have to deal with things like that at such a young age. I hope you can turn to here at JSF for support as well as the site Savyart suggested.

I know for me, at your age, I would want something to be doing that I know I will work that I can start right away while I learn more about nutrition.

I had mentioned in a PM the possibility of looking into the Body for Life approach as a way to get started right away but that I did not know if it was good for people under 18. I have since found an interview with Bill Phillips that a Body for Life for teens was underway...but i was not able to find it online anywhere. He did mention in the interview that the workout routine for adults was not appropriate for teens, that it was too much.

I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for a food plan for Janelle that she could start while she sorts things out. I know that if

Also, Jenelle, I would suggest that you post something like your post here in the nutrition forum. Give it a title like: 16 yo female needs food plan, and then post the same message. There are teens here at JSF and others who have more knowledge. You might want to do the same in the Fat-loss section and the weight loss section.

I personally would not give up the walking 30-60 minutes a day. I think that is one of the best exercises you could do for now. I would not stop trying to implement healthy measures right now while you are trying to figure out what will work best for you.

I know I have to learn not to care what people think. I hear so much negative things coming from everyone. My brother he calls me fat when I'm way smaller then him, My other brother calls me fat and you would not believe this but my mom called me fat the other day which really hurt :( I have talked to my doctor and she says it would be best if I lost some but didn't tell me how too. I seriously don't know how to lose weight a healthy way and keep it off. I have about 80 extra lbs I want off which is quite a bit for my age. I've tried Dr.phils diets for teens, weight watchers, slim fast, magazine diets, and many more.


Well, first of all - people use the term "Fat" to verbally smack someone because we are a society very attuned to it. it hits harder than any other insult that they could throw at you, and very likely has little to do with the actual picture. Also, realize that people tend to focus on things that they would like to change about themselves too. So, if your siblings are bigger than you are, likely they are picking on you in that fashion because that is where THEY hurt most.

Regardless, I will tell you this: Not caring wha other people think is a lifelong pursuit. I am 30 yrs old and I feel almost as sensitive as when I was 16. Some people are able to achieve this, and others are not - no matter how long they try. The BIGGER goal is instead to listen TO YOURSELF. They want to call you Fat? LET THEM. Just look back at them, raise your eyebrows and make THEM realize how out of line they are. Don't bow your head in shame - never be ashamed. Weight is something that the MASSIVE MAJORITY of our society is battling - you may feel alone - but you are in very crowded company.

Weight is simply battling other things visably. Everyone has their problems, most have a weight problem. Just realize you ARE like everyone else, and move on.

Here is what I would suggest: PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE check out that link, it even has dietary suggestions on it. While you are figuring things out, keep up on your walks, try to go 7 days a week. For one week, eat like your normally would, but enter in EVERY SINGLE CRUMB into www.fitday.com (it's free - just sign up for an account) and that will give you a really good ballpark of how much you are eating. Once you know where you are at, it will be a lot easier to target the problem areas.

This IS completely do-able, ok? I was once 220+ lbs. Not because I had kids, or any other excuse. Because I ate myself there. But your weight changes daily, it's simply a matter of shifting it into a downward trend in a healthy manner. You can't make changes without knowing what you are changing - so keep track of every bite of food for a whole week. On www.fitday.com, you account is private - so no one will ever see it but you. So be 100% honest. Then you can post a break down (total calories, %'s of fat, protein and carb, etc) and you can start to make some changes.

Take a week, keep track and learn about yourself, and where you want to be, what is REALISTIC, and areas you see for improvement.

well... how long did you try those other diets for? do you lift weights at all? is there a weight room at your high school? have you talked to the coach at your school? he/she might be able to help you. there is a LOT of good information on this site. I would suggest reading the sticky post at the top of the fat loss section about diets and keep in mind that the more muscle you have, the more fat you will burn through out the day, so lifting weights is a very good idea. the most important thing to remember though, is this... you didn't gain those extra pounds overnight, and you won't lose them that fast either... it takes time and persistance... don't give up on a way of eating after just a couple of weeks... give any program you try at LEAST six weeks before you decide if it's right for you... women don't always see results right away... it takes us longer to rev up our matabolism (usually) than it does men... so read the stickys on diet and excersices and try to pull a plan together... once you have an idea of what you should do, post it here and we'll help you tweak it... but I think it would be a good idea to follow Savyart's recomendations as well. :gl:


I did the other diets for about a month and just quit cause I wasn't seeing any results I'm an impatient person.At the gym I did do weights. I also did 20-30 minutes on the cross trainer, 20 minutes on the treadmill, abs, weights and sometimes I'd add in 15 minutes on the bike... I have really buff legs without doing anything to make them that way.

regarding family members and such making comments about you being "fat", it reminded me of something. this female friend of mine, some of her family kept making comments about her like "hey you look to be getting chubbier" and "you look like your getting a bit thicker", etc.. apparently her dad was once like "hey i think she is the fattest of our kids" .. he was kidding, but still.. and also all the other kids are guys.

that said, this girl is the furthest thing from fat. she would be in the teens for bodyfat, no question. one time she actually tried my bf scale and it put her at 12.5%, low i think but really not far off. IMHO she is probably right where she should be, she looks great. her family probably only makes such comments because they are used to her being the stick skinny little girl, but as she hit puberty and what not she put on some weight which probably actually knocked her into a more normal/ideal range, but by contrast shes quite a bit "thicker".

to be honest when i heard about this stuff at first it worried me slightly because i know some girls (or guys for that matter) might take those comments really seriously and then may do some stupid things trying to "fix" a problem that isnt there. luckily, she seems to have control of the situation and pretty well takes the comments for what their worth, which is good.

the point of my story is that you cant always trust what family or others tell you about yourself, for a number of reasons. for example, i think my story is the opposite of when people lose weight and then people say they are too skinny. when theres a lot of contrast, i.e. really thin to more normal, obese to normal.. the contrast causes shock, and then people say things like "you look to be getting fat" or "you look too skinny now", because they arent used to it. because of that, you have to trust yourself. if YOU feel you need to lose weight, then do it. just dont let others influence your decision as much as some do, because as demonstrated, other people can be just full of it.

I did the other diets for about a month and just quit cause I wasn't seeing any results I'm an impatient person.At the gym I did do weights. I also did 20-30 minutes on the cross trainer, 20 minutes on the treadmill, abs, weights and sometimes I'd add in 15 minutes on the bike... I have really buff legs without doing anything to make them that way.

A month is not enough time to reduce what took years to develop.

Impatience is not a virtue... patience is. Ask anyone here who has had good results... it takes months, if not years, of dedication. If you truly want to lose eighty pounds, I'd estimate that it will take at least eight months if not closer to a year.

I'm not saying that to scare you off... I'm only trying to be realistic and show you in simple terms what kind of dedication it's going to take to reach the goal you have set for yourself. How about setting an easier goal to achieve... ten pounds this month (August)?

I did the other diets for about a month and just quit cause I wasn't seeing any results I'm an impatient person.

with that attitude, you'll stay fat forever. i mean it.

until you change your attitude, you'll stay fat forever. yep you will.

the only person that can help you is yourself. if you can't help yourself, you'll stay fat forever.

you have to take the initiative, because no one cares about you more than you care about yourself.

people can give you all the advice in the world, but you'll never succeed until you help yourself.

:rolleyes:

A few things to get you started; Stop drinking soda but water instead, Stop deep frying, eat less bread, no fruit drinks, eat more fruit, smaller meals, start reading the labels on food and figuring out how many calories your eating per meal.

Read Marcus's post to learn you BMR.

[QUOTE=canada]A few things to get you started; Stop drinking soda but water instead, Stop deep frying, eat less bread, no fruit drinks, eat more fruit, smaller meals, start reading the labels on food and figuring out how many calories your eating per meal.

Read Marcus's post to learn you BMR.[/QUOTE

As to diet ideas, the most important thing that I've done is start eating LOTS of fruits and vegetables - they're really filling, and pretty low calorie, so it helps me keep my calories down. In fact, I'm finding it kind of a challenge to eat as much as I should, lately. Besides, they're just good for you in general. And if you're a sugar junkie like me (I love my candy bars), try fruit with cool whip lite instead of the sugary stuff.

Keep at it- it takes a long time to change, but it happens eventually if you work at it.

There is a couple things you need to do first. One, is to realize that even if you were perfect, the idiots in high school would STILL find something to pick on you about. It doesn't matter if it is your weight, or your hair color, or clothes - whatever - people target others, especially in highschool. So losing weight shouldn't be done because of your peers and their stupid targeting practices. You will never be able to please them, and it isn't about them, it's about YOU.



Sooooo true, I agree 1,000%! By the way Kyra I love your new avatar!!! :tucool:

Losing weight is not something that you work at for a couple of weeks or months and then forget about. But it's not something that you need to do perfectly either. Make small changes that you can handle. There's no need to go on a diet, or completely change the foods that you eat. Just swap a few of the less healthy items for healthier choices.

If you like to read, here are a few more links to look at.

Success Starts with Small Changes (http://lancaster.unl.edu/food/ftapr01.htm)

Easy Ways to Eat 100 less Calories per day (http://lancaster.unl.edu/food/ftjan03.htm)

Basics of a Healthy Diet Part 1 (http://www.fitnessforoneandall.com/nutrition/article/basics/part_one.htm) and Part 2 (http://www.fitnessforoneandall.com/nutrition/article/basics/part_two.htm)
You'll have much better success following a LIFELONG eating plan that you make up yourself from foods that you enjoy, rather than trying to follow a diet you pull from a magazine. So start educating yourself about healthy choices, and make a commitment to be just a little bit better each day.

By the way Kyra I love your new avatar!!! :tucool:

oooh Savyart...too cool :nod: :cool: :nod:

oooh Savyart...too cool :nod: :cool: :nod:


LOL thanks you guys :D

LOL thanks you guys :D

Sorry to hijack the thread. To be 100% honest and creepy ( :o ) your hair and eyes have always caught my eye in a positive way, unlike any other woman I've ever seen. :)

Sorry to hijack the thread. To be 100% honest and creepy ( :o ) your hair and eyes have always caught my eye in a positive way, unlike any other woman I've ever seen. :)


Well, I would be jealous but it is so true...your hair is gorgeous and so are your eyes. :nod: :nod:

Another "hit it" Chad??? ;)

Well, I would be jealous but it is so true...your hair is gorgeous and so are your eyes. :nod: :nod:

Another "hit it" Chad??? ;)

Yup! Savy and Justitia at the top on the official "Chad Would Hit It List". :tucool: John's forums are home to some very intelligent and sexy women!

:o

Janele,

I'm a bit older than you but can relate to your experience in a different manner. My mother was the one that was told she was fat and made fun of...so growing up we were OVERLY weight concsious. Now I (and my brother) are obsessed with our weight and appearance.

My first suggestion would be to understand the way your body works. Realize what food does for your body and how it is used. Understand how your muscles and metabolism work with the fuel (food) that you put in your body.

I would strongly suggest that you begin a weight lifting regime. It won't change your body overnight but there are soooo many benefits that you will get from it. Plus by beginning to train your muscles now, when you are older your muscle memory will make it easier to keep your body in shape.

Diet is important but don't think you have to forklift it immediately. I am horrible at self discipline. I try to remember the basics of healthy eating....less fried foods, fruits and vegetables, milk and 6 small meals a day. By giving your body a constant source of nutrition it will not feel that it needs survival mode and start storing fat.

Make small changes. Instead of regular pop, drink diet. Instead of a candy bar eat a granola bar (even if it's a chocolate covered one :-)) Make subtle changes.....and log your diet. Keep a log of what you eat on a daily basis and then take a look back at it and find the places where you can improve. Don't forget that it's ok to cheat...just not all of the time. I allow myself at least one day a week where I don't worry about my diet. It's something each week for me to look forward to. When I'm having a tough time eating good I can look forward and count down "OK...3 days until I can eat my ice cream, 2 days to my cheeseburger."

Don't forget to post your progress

Well I don't have anything to offer that hasn't been suggested already. I just wanted to wish you luck on your progress and hope you're able to start a good program and lifestyle.

If you want a workout that will kick your butt you should try boxing lessons. 2 minutes of sparring literally had me drenching in sweat... and a bloody nose...but you don't have to fight in order to train.

I also recommend it because you start to feel more confident and buff which might help you deal with the dinks you go to school with. As someone who was teased horribly in school I understand how awful it can make you feel.

I'm not sure if people realize the impact these words can have. I am 25 years old going on 26 and sometimes I forget that I'm no longer that awkward, chubby girl in high school anymore. When people refer to me as skinny minnie or pretty I have a moment of utter disbelief because I've been raised with this notion that I am ugly and worthless. It takes a lot of time and hard work to deprogram all that crap so you better start now.