My 14 year old cousin is roughly 5ft 2in and weighing in at approximately 240lbs. I'm so concerned about her well being, i'd like her to drop some of the weight and i've done everything I can think of within my bounds as a cousin to help. Her parents are also hiddeously overweight, naive and ignorant. There isn't a medical problem, it's a stuffing themselves with food and no exersize problem. I've offered to enroll her into a camp for obese teens, curves, I bought her a nice new bike that doesn't want to ride, and even went as far as to contact her school to see if there was any counciling available for her through the health services department. I've tried incentives as well i.e. if you go on a hike with me today i'll bring you to hot topic and buy you some clothes. Nothing seems to be working. It's really sad that i'm the only one in the family that sees this going on,or wants to... I consider it child abuse. With all that said, what would be your next step if anything? Oprah? lol
2007-05-04 19:03:56 · 9 answers · asked by Sam 2 in Health ➔ Diet & Fitness
You've done everything that you can do. As you see, you can't force someone to be healthy or lose weight, especially when they don't get the support (from immediate family).
She will come to you when she is ready to lose the weight.
5'2", 14 and 240...that IS child abuse. But if the parents don't see anything wrong with it, especially since they are the same way, she won't either.
2007-05-04 19:14:18 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just try to talk to her about her health. Inform her that obesity can lead to diabetes, heart problems and all sorts of other problems if not taken care of at a young age. She's young and its so much easier to lose weight when ur younger, so try to tell her that also. Dieting is so hard because u feel like u have to stop eating all of the foods u like so just tell her that she can still have some of the foods she likes just in smaller portions and instead of regular sodas try and get her to drink diet sodas and drinks. A lot of those diet sodas taste just as good as regular so that part should be easy. Also, if she looks to u for advise when she wants to talk to u about certain things just take a walk around the block a couple times or at the park while u two talk. Once she sees the weight coming off from doing just small changes she might start to really get serious about dieting. Try to diet with her too cause its much easier when u have a buddy. Good luck and I hope everything works out:)!!
2007-05-05 02:21:22 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
maybe if you had a bike and planned little rides together she might like that or play ball or take her to a gym or get some music out and dance with her .take a dog for a walk etc.as long as you don't make it seem like exercise she might go for it but take it slow with her kids have feelings too and if she thinks you think she fat she may get depressed .you might take her to a doctor or speak to one about your concern their may be a medical reason that runs in the family .anyways when your around keep away from junk food and eat healthy in front of her and with her .teach her some of your habits .if she looks up to you she might surprise you and pick up on them .start a piggy bank that you both can put change in for something you and her can do together if she looses some weight like getting your nails done when you reach 5 pounds after that start saving again and go for 10 pounds .keep a chart and keep any promises you make her .good luck
2007-05-05 02:34:02 · answer #3 · answered by outlawlady 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The best you can do it be there to support her. Maybe you could start like a jogging club and go for a jog a few times a week, maybe you could go to the gym together or if she's at the same school as you go in together and join a sporting team. Sooner or later she should be able to see that she has to make changes and you being there to support her will make it that much easier. well that's enough from me good luck, bye.
2007-05-05 02:31:12 · answer #4 · answered by makeupaholic211 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow I can't imagine what her life is like. Unfortunately there's nothing you can do. You've tried to help her and have been rejected. You can't make her lose weight. Her parents are setting a horrible example and their daughter will be dead probably before she's 40. It's nice of you to care.
2007-05-05 02:12:53 · answer #5 · answered by maigen_obx 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your concern is very caring. However, there are some decisions that you can never make for other people. Unfortunately, the decision to eat properly and exercise is included in this list.
2007-05-05 02:11:04 · answer #6 · answered by fitman 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sadly, there isn't anything that will work unless your cousin goes for it!
2007-05-05 02:08:58 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
How about minding your own business? Your nagging her is probably causing her to eat more. If she wants your help, let her ask for it.
2007-05-05 02:09:51 · answer #8 · answered by Alice K 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
uh...try bribing her with an ipod....or trick her into running with you....find out what she loves or hate and use it against her!!
2007-05-05 02:10:32 · answer #9 · answered by theEMOchild 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋