How can a 14 yr old loose weight?

Question

My sister is 14 and she has a weight problem. She is 236 pounds. She tries to use diet and exersise, but she can't stay motivated. She is getting quite depressed cause of her weight. I've tried to help, but she doesn't want me to help.

My sister is 14 and she has a weight problem. She is 236 pounds. She tries to use diets and exercise, but she can't stay motivated. She is getting quite depressed cause of her weight. I've tried to help, but she doesn't want me to help. She tells me everytime I do try to help that I can't for I'm not fat and don't know how hard it is. (Thats not true though I was fat when I was younger)

She tells me I can't help cause I'm not fat and i don't know what it's like to be, or how hard it is to loose weight. But I do for I was fat myself when I was in public school then I did homeschool It helped alot, but it didn't help her. My parents can't take her to a dietian for they don't have much money at the moment.

Answer 1

It is hard to lose weight. Because the more you weigh, the more the body craves fat. It literally fights against you. Fat is an aquired taste, when you are used to eating saturated and hydroganated fats the body thinks they are required. And depression is a side effect that then makes it even harder. The opposite is also true. When your metabolism is working properly, the body works toward weight loss. It helps to know that it is just science, not a personal weakness that is out of your control. She needs to learn about nutrtion and understand the concepts of good health. This may give her power over the depression by fighting the feeling of hopelessness. I learned these things from health and biology classes. I recommend a book called, 'You: the Owner's Manual.' It's written by doctors and teaches, in simple terms, what everyone should know about their bodys' functions. Maybe have your mom, or whoever homeschools her, assign it. It's an NYT Bestseller, I believe. I'd also recommend 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens' by Sean Covey to deal with the emotional changes she must make to improve her lifestyle. That book changed my life when I was growing up. Knowledge and understading are really the best tools for weight loss. The first step is knowing that we are the sum total of what we do. She should know that simple changes to her habits will make the greatest impact. If you want to help her, don't make her think you're trying to help her. Invite her to eat with you. Invite her to engage in fun physical activities with you. Do something that she will truly enjoy that is not too physically demanding. I hate to exercise, so I do yard work. I feel productive and it's helped me realize that even if my body is not perfect, it can do some pretty amazing things. I really hope this helps. Good luck to her.

Answer 2

Sounds like depression could be making the problem worse. She need to cut down on her calories, while exercising to burn off the weight. What about getting into a class or a camp this summer where she could be with other kids her age who are suffering from the same problem. Until she is ready to take the problem head on there isn't a lot you can do. If she is suffering from depression you parents really should get her help. Then she can deal with her weight issues. Which may be more emotional that she even realizes.

I know it must be hard, you want her to be healthy but she has to make these decisions for herself. You can't force her or any weight she takes off will come right back on.

If she cuts down on her calories, makes healthy choices about eating. Eats less but more often, etc she can boost her metabolism. Even ten minutes of activity 3 times a day is better than nothing.

I wish her all the best.

Answer 3

I would suggest visiting a dietician as there could be an underlying medical problem that she is not aware of. Could be thyroid or other things. Dietician will draw blood to be sure to rule these possible problems out first. Then they will help her figure out a plan that will work for her. A diet for you may cause her to gain weight and vice versa. That is why a dietician is educated, to know the differences in humans metabolisms and differences in how our bodies break down foods. Don't drink vit. D milk, it's very fattening, try 1% for a while. Cut back on cereals and move to something like cream of wheat or oatmeal for breakfast. It gives a better energy boost and you feel full sooner for a longer period of time. Chewing gum helped my step daughter and getting her into softball helped as well. She made many friends and started to be off and running with little time sitting around and eating due to boredom which is a high rated cause for overweight. I'm sorry for her as I know this can cause a great deal of stress and depression when we keep trying and nothing seems to work. It's sad that this type of issue arises in such young teen's and children. ReAssure her that it could very well be a medical condition and maybe what she is doing could be more harm than good.

Like I said, she could have an underlying medical issue at hand and should be consulted with by a licensed medical examiner prior to dieting. I'll be saying sweet prayers for her.

Answer 4

Tell your mom and dad to talk to your family doctor about refering her to a nutritionist that is registered. No one here should be giving her advice on what to do. The nutritionist will help her make up a food plan that is both safe and effective.

Also ask your family to ask the doctor to have her tested for diabetes, her cortisol levels as well as her thyroid as these things can affect weight.

Also talk to the doctor about seeing if there is a program at the local hospital for kids like herself. Most childrens hospitals have programs that help with both the weight and the self esteem.

Lastly, see if your mom and dad could get her an exercise bike and have it infront of the tv. That way when she wants to watch her favorite show, she can go on the bike for 20 to 30 minutes. Support her by having everyone in the family taking turns. Try to help motivate her without ever putting her down in any way. Remind her she can do it and that no matter what she's gorgeous and very much loved.

licenced paramedic

Answer 5

I've tried many diets and couldn't make anything work. Since having my first child, I've been carrying around an extra 30 pounds. This diet just made sense and showed me that everything I was doing before was wrong and a waste of my time.

The plan was so refreshing and so simple to follow. I did everything plan said and lost 23 pounds in the first three weeks. I'm now starting the diet again to lose 7 more pounds. This plan has changed my life.

Get started today!

Answer 6

The best thing I can think of if she's having trouble dieting herself is either L.A weight loss or Weight Watchers. Ive done L.A. weight loss before and its a pretty good program, but its a bit pricey depending on how much u want to lose. I havent tried Weight Watchers but they have Weight Watcher meals in restaurants and they sale muffins and cakes and things in grocery stores which I think would be easier cause u wouldn't feel like ur deprived of certain foods.

Answer 7

Hi,

14 year olds lose weight the same as adults do, diet and exercise.

You sister needs to be educated about health, and how it's more than just looking good!

Maybe you should lead by example, and be her motivation. Hit the gym together and eat the same healthy meals. Promote physical activity.

Answer 8

What if you try to make a competiton for loosing weight?? Maybe a good start is to establish an achievable goal (let's say buy a pair of jeans one size less) and establish a deadline of three weeks to get into them. The minute she begins seeing results she will be motivated to go on with the program and keep the weight lost.

Go to a gym with her and participate with her in the competition, be her coach ! :-)

Answer 9

Only SHE can lose the weight, and she had to WANT to do it. If she isn't motivated you can suggest you both go walking, toss Frisbee, dance around the house, anything to get moving. Diet is really not the answer, food plan is. Six small meals a day instead of 3 large ones is a way to get her metabolism working better. I pray she will get control of her depression and her weight problem. Good luck to you both.

Answer 10

My advice would be to feed her healthy food; no junk food. Have her do some exercise too, not everyday but maybe like 3-4 days a week? Try doing it with her so that you keep her company. I bet she'll have more fun if someone does it with her, it might be a motivation for her. you never know!