Exercise & Sports / Question
Published: November 5, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I'm a 14-year-old girl and I am 5'4 and weigh 200 lbs. I want to lose weight but every time I go out and run or do aerobic exercise outside I go back in because I am too embarrassed to be seen by someone I know. Where I live has lots of kids my age and most I don't get alone with, so I don't really go outside a lot. I've tried going outside to exercise in the morning but I'm not a morning person and it's really hard for me to get up and go exercising. I can't go at night because my parents are afraid of the wild animals that live by us. I don't know what to do. Please help me.
Signed: Embarrassed To Exercise
Dear Embarrassed To Exercise,
TeenHealthFX can tell by the sound of your question that this must be really difficult emotionally for you. It is terribly hard being overweight. Also, probably even rougher for you is the fact that your weight issues are isolating you from your peers. We know how important it is to have the support and companionship of others your own age. All of this plays on your self-esteem making it even harder for you to become motivated to change the situation.
TeenHealthFX believes the most important thing you can do now is to discuss the situation with your doctor. He or she can refer you to a nutritionist who can help you to design a plan to help you eat healthier and plan an exercise program.
By making these contacts you can get the support you need to be more successful at losing weight and exercising. So again, call your doctor and make that appointment.
For other questions like yours, check out Eating Healthy and Best Time To Exercise.
Lastly, please remember that losing weight will not guarantee happiness - this has to come from within us by developing positive self-esteem, regardless of what you look like on the outside. TeenHealthFX realizes that this is not a simple task and that it sometimes requires help. Talk to your parent or other trusted adult about your situation. Additionally, if you would like to meet with a doctor about a healthy way to lose weight you can call the Adolescent/young Adult Center For Health at 973.971.6475 for an appointment.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Most smokers begin smoking as teens, and the average age of initiation is 12.5 years of age.
