weight problems?

Question

Hi, i'm 14.
i have a serious problem to go along with life's other crappy problems.

i need to go to a doctor to see if it's for sure, but i'm pretty sure that i suffer from anorexia nervosa.
i lie about how much i eat. i get lightheaded and dizzy. i've almost fainted while skateboarding once..
i'm constantly worried about my body image.
i weigh 120 lbs. and i'm 5'7".
can somebody please help me with my problem? or something? i need to fix this problem.

Answer 1

Beth,
Whether or not you have Anorexia is not for me to diagnose, but I can tell you that you are not alone in how you feel. The media places a lot of expectations on people, particuarly young women. Trying to fit in to a world that places these expectations on people is not an easy task.

Luckily, there is a healthy way to strive to look your best while maintaining a strong, healthy lifestyle. Proper nutrition and an exercise plan are the cornerstone for such living.

The secret is acknowledging the true purpose of food as fuel rather than entertainment (or the enemy, for that matter). Food is your friend, if befriended correctly. Focus on protein, fats, and carbohydrates and learn about each of them. A little bit of research online will teach you a lot. Remember, don't diet; change your eating lifestyle. Doing so will change your life for the better. For the exercise, consider it a priority to include it into your routine.

Anyway, if you want it simple, here it is in ten steps:
1. protein is good...eat plenty (about 30% of your caloric intake)
2. fats are good and bad...know the difference
3. saturated and trans fats are the bad ones - limit these
4. poly- and mono-unsaturated fats are good - don't be afraid of them
5. carbohydrates are good and bad...know the difference
6. fibers and complex carbs are the good ones - eat these (about 40% of your caloric intake)
7. sugars and simple carbs are the bad ones - limit these, particularly late in the day (stay away from sodas and chips!)
8. drink water - lots and lots and lots of water. It's the only drink you need. Anything else is either wasted or simply bad for you
9. Eat 4-6 "meals" a day to boost your metabolism.
10. A meal is defined as a portion of a low-fat, protein rich entree, a portion of veggies for vits/mins, and a portion of complex carbs. (You can get these combined as a health shake)

For exercise, it's even simpler:
1. 4-6 hours per week
2. 45-90 min each day you exercise
3. do aerobic exercise (20-40 min) every day you exercise
4. work abdominals every day you exercise (between sets makes it easy)
5. do chest and triceps exercises on one day
6. do back and biceps exercises on a different day
7. do legs and shoulder exercises on a different day
8. do your exercises in sets (i.e. 3 times with 6-12 repetitions each)
9. keep a record of what you do to measure progress.
10. when your progress stalls (called "plateau"), switch up your routine.

Being as young as you are, you are likely not in a position to control a lot of what you eat. And, you may not have access to a good venue for proper exercise. I encourage you to talk to your parents about what you feel and that you want to be a healthy, fit individual. Research proper nutrition and have a solid foundation for your argument. You can also recommend that they join you. It's very possible that they will see you in a very mature light. They may not join you, but they may pave the way for you to achieve your success. Simultaneously, if you think you need to talk to someone about your negative self-image, your parents are a great source. If you prefer to talk to someone who is a little less biased, tell you parents you want to see a psychologist. Doing so is nothing to be ashamed of, and it's covered by medical insurance.

I'm not a therapist, but I can give some moral support if you have further questions or concerns. Contact me any time you need to.

Answer 2

Your problem is that you're too focused on your body. You think about it too much, and your creating a problem where one doesn't exist. If you're 14 years old, and you're out skateboarding, walking around, playing some basketball, or engaging in other physical activities, you don't have to worry about your weight. If you have good control over how much you eat, you should consider yourself one of a lucky few human beings. People become overweight from eating too much of the wrong kinds of foods. Think about it. If overweight people ate exactly what you'd see on a regular food pyrimid, and skateboarded, walked around, etc., they'd lose weight, eventually stop when they reached the weights they were supposed to be, and stay that way.

You don't need to diet. You need to use that ability to control what you eat. Use it to make eating a healthy amount, of the right foods, a habit. Once you do that, keep being active. Know that you're doing the most healthy, natural thing, a human can possibly do. Then relax, and learn to except your body as nature intended it to be.

Real life isn't Hollywood, or magizines. Try not to focuse on everything you feel is wrong. You're mind will create a thousand reason to make what we think seem true. That's also true when we fill our minds with positive thoughts. Try it, even if you don't believe it at first. Try forcing yourself to only think of posiive things, and refuse to listen to anything your mind tell you that's negative. After a while, your mind will start to focus on good things. It's the way the mind works, and it's often the difference between why some people become depressed while another in the same situation doesn't.

Answer 3

You are 14 - your body is going thru TONS of different things right now (I am under my husbands name but I am female) I had serious eating issues at your age and still do - you have to believe YOU are more important than your eating disorder. Trying to fit in is a really really tough thing to do when you are 14 - but 5'7 and 120 is very underweight!!!!! I know hearing me say that isn't going to convince you.

If you are truly struggling w/ anorexia of any sort - and you can't fight it alone - find a support group. They have them, even find one online if you are embarrassed. But they don't go away - and they only get worse. There will come a time you will push EVERYONE out of your life to be alone with your disorder, if you haven't already.

I am sure you are a beautiful young woman who is going thru many many issues (changing from a girl to a woman) and being a woman is hard just alone. We have serious issues that nobody gets - and even people on this thing will make fun of you.

DOn't let it get out of control honey. Do some searching on the website for pictures of women with what you are dealing with. I guarentee you could put your picture next to them if you don't fight this - and fit right in.

Life isn't worth giving up on - being thin and beautiful is nice - but what you see on TV and magazines is SOOOO not true! The AVERAGE size of women is a size 12 - and that is in WOMENS - not Juniors . . . .why don't you go over to the women's section next time you go to the clothing store and just for the heck of it - try on a pair of WOMEN's size 12 - NOT JUNIORS - there is a big difference.

Look in the mirror, and see how far away from "average" your body is!!!!! You need a support group. You won't go to rehab until you hit rock bottom and women DIE from this DAILY!!!!! PLEASE - do your research! You are 14 and YOUNG enough to fight it and not make it who you are.

If you EVER want kids - think of how hard it will be to hear your little girls ask you why you aren't eating. Or ask Daddy why Mommy doesn't eat - and THEN . . . they'll start to fall into your same pattern. I know that's years down the road (about where I am) But appreciate and love your body! Once you have kids . . . you'll be WISHING you had a 5'7 120 body!!!

Seriously - if you do have babies and want to get back there - you'll probably kill yourself. Honey - get a support group. I am sure they are there online!!!!! I wish I could find one for you . . . I'll look but I have to get my baby . . . (which I gained 50 lbs with EACH child!!) took most of it off - but it was not what I did, it's in my genes. I ate healthy and STILL turned into a cow!! LOL

Take care of yourself . . . nobody is going to love you until you love yourself. Nobody is going to help you unless you help yourself. YOU ARE STUCK WITH YOU!!! Make it a good thing, not a bad one :-)

I hope it helps a little.

Answer 4

You are at least realizing the problem & seeking help. Thats a good sign. Try to put your weight out of your mind. try some new hobby, crafts, reading, work out, anything that would take your mind away from your weight. According to me, you seriously have a perfect body. Im 15, 5'1" & when i was 14 i was totally obsessed with my height.

Make a coscious effort to eat healthy food. Dont lie about your eating habits. Give yourself a star on a chart each time you tell the truth bout your food. Each time you push thoughts about your body image away from your mind. If it doesnt work, go see a therapist.

Answer 5

Thyroid meds alone usually do not cause weight loss. You have to have your thyroid levels right and also diet & exercise. I do know a rare few who did lose weight when they switched to Armour. I wasn't one of them. Maybe you will be one of the lucky ones. With Armour, its important that your doctor adjusts your dosage by Free T4 and Free T3 (not TSH) You will want the Free t4 above midrange and the Free T3 high in range. Below are some great websites that talk about Armour

Answer 6

you are perfect for your age and height, im 14 5'5'' and i weight 160-170 i think im becoming anarexic but talk to your parents or a doctor its the best thing for you just remember tell yourself you are beautiful just the way you are

Answer 7

dont eat. (^$^)