What You Should Know About Diet Aides And Certain Diet Tactics / Question
Published: September 18, 2001
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am 14-year-old male. I am very overweight. I am 6'2" and weigh around 280lbs. I am basically a happy person; I'm not depressed about my weight, although I am concerned. What is the minimum caloric intake I need in a day? I am not athletic and don't get all the exercise I need, but I am about to start exercising regularly. Also, what foods do you recommend I eat? I have heard about a drug called Ephedra that helps people lose weight. What is your opinion of this drug?
Signed: Very Overweight - Should I Try Ephedra?
Dear Very Overweight - Should I Try Ephedra?,
TeenHealthFX is glad that you are taking in interest in improving your health habits - it will last you a lifetime. It is so important that you are not letting you weight get you down, but even better that you are ready to make strides towards a healthier lifestyle.
and Exercising on a regular basis are the best way for you to lose weight. TeenHealthFX does not recommend that you take any kind of drug, unless given to you by your doctor. Ephedra is still being marketed as an experimental weight loss drug and is known to have many harmful side effects, especially in young adults. It can cause dizziness, nausea, psychosis, seizures, heart attacks, strokes and hypertension (high blood pressure). Click to find out more about Ephedra. So before using this drug, be sure to consult your doctor.
The caloric intake a person needs to lose weight changes with each individual depending upon his or her daily activity level and also body type. It is important that you get a balanced diet each day with foods from each food group. If you are serious about changing your diet and starting a regular exercise routine you may want to talk to your doctor and/or a nutritionist. They will be glad to assist you in process and be able to tell you how many calories you need to be consuming in order to lose weight, but also to keep your body functioning properly.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Teens with untreated depression are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, leading to higher rates of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
