My daughter is 16 and she thinks she needs to lose weight. She's 5'2 and 120lbs. She talks about it ALL THE TIME. It's the only thing she thinks about...She hates her body and puts herself down all the timel She refuses to go to a therapist and I'm afraid if I take her to one, they'll put her on antidepressants and I really don't want that. I don't want her to develop an eating disorder...what should I do?
2006-08-26 08:27:53 · 14 answers · asked by cookie 1 in Health ➔ Diet & Fitness
Talk to professionals you know like your doctor and find the right therapist -- then insist on therapy other than anti-depressants.
Your daughter isn't depressed, she is OBSESSED and probably has an obsessive-compulsive tendency.
Get a therapist and make sure the therapist is an MD, ie, a genuine psychiatrist is needed in this situation.
And don't waste time dithering with this. Every day counts.
2006-08-26 08:33:04 · answer #1 · answered by urbancoyote 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Help her adjust her eating habits, and try to involve her in the grocery shopping decisions..make an extra effort to buy health/diet conscious foods.
Is she motivated to get fit?
It doesn't sound at all like she needs to lose weight, but perhaps she'd like to tone up..theres nothing wrong with that. She's bombarded daily with picture perfect people in the media, her peers are more than likely just as obsessive on the subject..she needs some good information from someone she trusts, and I think it's fantastic that you're concerned and are willing to help her suss it out..alot of parents shrug it off as a typical teen issue (which it is), and let kids figure it out themselves..some kids need a little help.
She's normal, and going through a normal thing, and you're right to be concerned about taking her to a therapist..more than likely she'll be put on some kind of medication that she may or may not need.
Of course eating disorders are a serious concern..
You know your daughter best - if it feels like it's getting out of control, do some research and find a therapist that isn't going to medicate at the drop of a dime..I think there are a few still out there...
Good luck -
2006-08-26 08:45:58 · answer #2 · answered by jtxn170 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ok..she is a teenager..but THAT is not like it was back in the 60's and 70's. Image is everything now. She refuses professional help? Then you have argued with her, you have hovered over her and you have expressed your mother's concern to her.
That is how we all handle our daughters, but it is not what they need. Get proactive and possitive. You make sure your family meals are very healthy and a fun time to be together. Do not press her to eat everything on her plate..that is our we got fat! You must begin using praise with her away from this concern, but reach for other good things she does in the family. She needs to expend her teenage energy in a way she can keep her metabolism active in whatever form of exercise/play she enjoys.
And stop boo-hooing her body concerns. She really feels this way for a reason and if you can find a quiet, safe, and neutral place to talk to her and LISTEN TO HER, you might find out there is more going on here than body image problems!
2006-08-26 08:40:57 · answer #3 · answered by Kay 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am 31, 5'2 and also weigh 120. I am quite happy with my weight. The only thing I wish I could change is the time to go to the gym to tone up. I cant imagine a 16 y/o needing to tone up, things fall with age...lol...anyway, suggest she go to a gym to make what she has look better, NOT to loose it. The exercise would be good for her anyway Or just drop the issue like what one answerer said. Just watch her for signs of anorexia and bulemia, incase she goes down those roads.
2006-08-26 08:35:02 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
She's within normal weight for her height. I would advice you to encourage her to share more with you..as far as why she feels this way..maybe entering a gym and going together and starting a healthy eating plan. This way you can work out together..keep it healthy and you can keep an eye on the situation. I wouldnt push her to a therapist just yet.
2006-08-26 08:33:37 · answer #5 · answered by cookiesnhugs 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell her if she feels like she need to lose weight then she should stop whining and do somthing about it by excersising. U have to put your fiit down somewhere and say that you dont want her to do this to herself. I myself am 14 and 5'2 but i weigh 145lbs. of course i also am into sports and my doctor says that most of it is my muscles. She has nothing to worry about and neither do you. Hope it all works out.
2006-08-26 16:06:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
let her know she is ok at her weight. if she really wants to be healthier there are some great eating plans that will give her alot of protein foods to keep her strength up and also some exercises to make her feel like shes acheiving something read more on this site
2006-08-26 08:41:13 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like she already has a problem. Make an appt with a family councilor as they can't prescribe medications ( only psychiatrists can). Talk therapy works and if they think it is a severe problem they can refer her to another source.
2006-08-26 10:23:07 · answer #8 · answered by nursienurse 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If she thinks she needs to lose weight at 5'2" and 120 lbs, she does need help with her self image or she will wind up anorexic or bulimic. She needs to build her self esteem and love herself as she is. She is not fat.
2006-08-26 08:34:17 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Every girl her age has a body image problem avoid bringing up her weight and she'll stop doing the same.
2006-08-26 08:30:50 · answer #10 · answered by movin12006 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋