Over Weight

Dec 12, 2012

Devan C.

I'm 11 years old and I feel over weight. People tell me not to worry but I do . I wish I could look good In a bikini instead of hiding my body behind a tankini. Can anyone help me with eating or exercise habits?

Dec 12, 2012

Cecilia C.

I stress cardio to anyone and everyone looking to lose weight or just stay healthy. Run at a fast jog for about fifteen minutes a day and you'll notice changes in a week (if you maintain a decent diet of course). If I skip my runs for a couple days, I'll notice my stomach start to become less flat, but as soon as I start back up in goes right now. Just be sure to stretch well, drink lots of water and not push yourself too hard at first. :)

Dec 12, 2012

Cecilia C.

it goes right down*

Dec 12, 2012

Sarah K.

I was where you are right now when I was your age. Your body will change as you get older. Between the age of 11 and 12 I lost almost 30lbs just because of hormonal changes. Now I suffer from a slow thyroid which has caused me to go from 110lbs to 190lbs over the last few years, despite going days without eating. I now work out with a personal trainer 3 days a week to try and return my body to its previous glory. The most important thing to do when starting to work out is build muscle, and eat right. 1lb of muscle burns 3 times more calories to move than 1lb of fat. Eat lots of healthy foods, on a regular basis. Starvation is NOT the way to go! You will hurt your metabolism and all your hard work will only get harder. I eat at least 5 small meals a day. Egg whites at 7am, then an apple or Banana with some raw almonds around 10am when I finished my workout, salad with PROTEIN at lunch, and I divide it into two servings. One for noon, and one for around 2-2:30, then something healthy and light for dinner. Lots of leafy greens! Spinach is the best.

Now bear in mind that you're only 11 years old! Your body has a lot of changing to do still! Try to enjoy your life! If you want to be active try doing things with friends! My friends and I walked EVERYWHERE when we were your age (I'm 24 btw!) we played tennis for fun, I swam competitively 5 days a week, and just didn't sit still in general! If its still something that really bothers you, talk to your doctor about your feelings and he/she should help you out. They can tell you what's safe for your body at your age and help guide you. NOT all activities are appropriate for all ages, because your body is still growing and developing. Just hang in there, losing weight at any age is a slow process, don't expect to wake up different one day. Learn to love yourself in whatever form your body takes and then you'll have a more realistic approach to your weight and health! <3 

Dec 13, 2012

Devan C.

(: thx for the support. I only see a doctor every 6 months and its jut for a few mins. I tried starving myself and it didn't do any good, have to wait till fall to do any walking because I live in az where it's very hot in then summer and can be very cold in winter. Me and my mom have gotten better with my eating habits. I can't do school activities. But I will try to do some exercising . The last time I weighed myself was a month ago and I weigh about 119 pounds!!! That's huge for my age!

Dec 13, 2012

Rikki P.

Starving yourself is the worst thing you can ever do. Don't ever even -think- about doing that again and definitely don't DO it again. All that's going to do is mess up your body outside and inside and once you start eating normally again, you'll gain whatever you lost back and then gain even more weight after. An eating disorder is the last thing you want to gain.

Dec 13, 2012

Devan C.

I found that our after a week of doing it. I feel that I need to be skinny so I will like my body.. Is that normal.....??

Dec 13, 2012

Rikki P.

No, that's called developing a sort of disorder. I mean, while the thought is incredibly common with people (cough mostly women cough) these days (thank you, society and your misogyny and sexism and what have you), it's... not normal. You really shouldn't be thinking these thoughts at all!

I think you need to focus more on trying to get out of this particular mental state before working on anything else. If you don't, you could end up getting worse and going onto the disordered eating path again. :/

Dec 13, 2012

Devan C.

Well I'm fine with my body what I mean is that I would enjoy myself in bathing suits etc with a bit of a more fit body. And I am doing my best on the diet.

Dec 13, 2012

Devan C.

By my profile pic do I look over weight? Tell me the truth 

Dec 13, 2012

Lara T.

Devan, you are a very attractive young lady. My son is also 11 & even as a boy he is always asking questions about becoming a man. I'm also a high school teacher. I can tell you that in every way you have innumerable changes ahead of you. In your picture you do not appear over weight in anyway. It is normal for girls your age to be thicker in the middle as your body begins changing into womanhood. As you get older in your teen years, your waist will begin to define more. However, as for complete change its not into twenties that you'll fully know the natural shape of your body as a woman. Remember to always take care of yourself, eat healthfully and exercise, both will contribute to your physical health and self esteem. 

Dec 13, 2012

Devan C.

Never mind I guess u can't really tell by my face

Dec 13, 2012

Devan C.

Thank you

Dec 13, 2012

Devan C.

Thx a lot 

Dec 13, 2012

Julianne J.

If these thoughts start to bother you so much its hard to focus on school and any other important stuff you're up to, maybe you can talk to a trusting adult or seek out, with your parents guidance a therapist. They might be able to show you what a "normal" body type is at this age. You do not look overweight in the least, and you are just starting to go through puberty so your body will be changing in ways that are uncomfortable but totally normal. If you're having trouble eating, feel like throwing up after you eat, etc. you need to confide in a trusted adult because you might be experiencing the onset of an eating disorder or ED. 

Dec 13, 2012

Sarah K.

Please don't ever try starving yourself again! It's so harmful to your body, and your mental state! Your body, including your brain need food to function. Without it you'll suffer in a lot of ways. You're 11, you'll get through this. I can not remember where I heard this, but "you have to soften your self talk". Look in the mirror every morning and find one thing you love about yourself, and repeat it to yourself every time you want to have a negative thought about your body. I know it seems silly, but it'll help to remind you that no one is perfect. We're all just doing the best we can, with what we've been given. 

Dec 13, 2012

Devan C.

Thank you all for the support and tips! I don't think I will have ED, I am just self conscious. And I wouldn't ever think about starving myself again! I will take you advice Sarah and Julianne.

Dec 13, 2012

Devan C.

*your advice

Dec 13, 2012

Devan C.

Your all very supportive and I'm happy I went public about how I feel

Dec 11, 2013

Yasmin N.

The easiest way I found of losing weight was drinking A LOT of water. it works! I didn't even have to change my eating habits, but I always made sure to drink a big.glass of water before eating, and also right after eating too. (this helps your stomach to digest faster). now obviously, I was eating a bunch of junk food, and I always made sure to go to the gym 2x a week bc it made the process a lot faster.

so yeah, just drink a lot of water.

Dec 11, 2013

Yasmin N.

wasn't**

Dec 11, 2013

Yasmin N.

If you get tired of water, you can always drink green tea because that also helps too.