Too Young to Worry!
A FFG FAN WRITES: I am just a teenage girl, worrying about my weight. I just don't want to get fat, and I am on the edge, my doctor says. I really want to lose a little weight, but I can't find the time with school. And I know I shouldn't worry, but I know if I don't do something now, it will be harder later!!! HELP me!
DEAR FFG FAN: Thanks so much for writing. I'll tell you what I'M worried about: the fact that you're so worried. I know how you feel--when I was your age, I wasted a lot of energy worrying about clothes that didn't fit, about wanting to eat things I knew I shouldn't, about the fact that I didn't seem to fit in, no matter how hard I tried. I think that it's difficult to avoid all that … that part of it is just part of being a teen. It's hard to stop worrying, but one thing that helps is to DO something--something small. Yes, this is kind of a constant refrain in my answers, but taking one small step is one of the best ways to start moving in a healthy direction and ease your anxiety--because part of that anxiety, I think, comes from feeling helpless. My best advice for you is to start getting active--doing something as simple as walking the dog after school, or kicking the soccer ball with your brother. Something that can become part of your regular routine. And I have to say (even though I risk your rolling your eyes at me) joining some kind of team sport, or dance at school would help you a great deal--not just to manage your weight but to create that life-long habit of activity. Those of us who didn't create that habit early on tend to have a harder time getting into exercise later because we just don't see ourselves as athletes, we don't feel like we BELONG. If you can start now, your chances of being healthy for a lifetime are much greater.
The other thing is--I URGE you to talk to an adult about your fears. Maybe you could have a conversation with your doctor and get her/his advice. She/he certainly knows you better than I do, and might have something really helpful to say. And she/he can make sure you're not letting that worry consume you in ways that are unhealthy.
In good health--
Lisa D
DEAR FFG FAN: Thanks so much for writing. I'll tell you what I'M worried about: the fact that you're so worried. I know how you feel--when I was your age, I wasted a lot of energy worrying about clothes that didn't fit, about wanting to eat things I knew I shouldn't, about the fact that I didn't seem to fit in, no matter how hard I tried. I think that it's difficult to avoid all that … that part of it is just part of being a teen. It's hard to stop worrying, but one thing that helps is to DO something--something small. Yes, this is kind of a constant refrain in my answers, but taking one small step is one of the best ways to start moving in a healthy direction and ease your anxiety--because part of that anxiety, I think, comes from feeling helpless. My best advice for you is to start getting active--doing something as simple as walking the dog after school, or kicking the soccer ball with your brother. Something that can become part of your regular routine. And I have to say (even though I risk your rolling your eyes at me) joining some kind of team sport, or dance at school would help you a great deal--not just to manage your weight but to create that life-long habit of activity. Those of us who didn't create that habit early on tend to have a harder time getting into exercise later because we just don't see ourselves as athletes, we don't feel like we BELONG. If you can start now, your chances of being healthy for a lifetime are much greater.
The other thing is--I URGE you to talk to an adult about your fears. Maybe you could have a conversation with your doctor and get her/his advice. She/he certainly knows you better than I do, and might have something really helpful to say. And she/he can make sure you're not letting that worry consume you in ways that are unhealthy.
In good health--
Lisa D
posted by Lisa Delaney at
11:35 AM
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