Hey all,

As you can probably tell, this is my first post here, so go easy on me if I break some important rule somehow.

Anyway, I'm a 15 year old kid from the UK, soon to be 16, who is 80kg, which I think is around 178lb with a BMI of 24.5, which is close to becoming overweight. Now, I understand that compared to the vast majority of people, I'm not that unhealthy, but I really want to lose some wieght, get down to around 140 to 145lb, so I can:

a) Live healthier.
b) Live happier.

I hate it when I meet new people, I feel uncomfortable and scared due to the fact I think they're judging because of my weight. Also, due to pretty much all my friends, male and female, being slim and healthy, I kind of feel like the odd one out, even though they dont make me feel it.

Also, lately I've found out that with this weight, I can do a decent long distance run, push myself to do well, so if I was less heavy I would be able to run longer and faster, which is always going to be a positive.

So, its all good at the moment, all I've got to do is get on a healthy diet, do some daily exercises...well, not exactly. I cannot tell my parents, it's not that they would flip or do anything, I just know that they would feel uncomfortable, and so would I. I can't go on a diet, because they put a plate in front of me and tell me to eat it. They don't have time to fix me up something else, they're working.

Also, I'm lazy. I have tried to lose weight before, but had no real ambition and felt self-concious of those who saw me losing weight. It just sucks basically.

I want to, and know how to lose weight, I just dont have the confidence, the time or the encouragement to do so.

Any tips?

Thanks in advance,

Just Tom.

If you don't have the time, confidence or encouragement to do so then it's simple, you're not going to lose weight.
Losing weight isn't something that just happens over night, you have to really want it and be willing to change your eating habits, and you have to have the ambition to go out and exercise.
Eating the same things you always have done (i.e. what your parents give you) and being to lazy for any exercise isn't gonna help you lose any weight at all.

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When you snack, eat healthily. Exercise more often. You should really tell your parents though...

Mercedes,

I understand what you're saying, and in truth, you're absolutely right.

However, how do I gain confidence, get some encouragement and lose weight without anybody knowing?

I have a dream, I have a picture and I am determined to become this person, I just keep hitting walls on the way and it sucks. I need some help.

Also thanks 19 for the tip.

Just Tom.

You just have to keep thinking about that person, who you really want to be and if you want it enough then it will give you the motivation you need to exercise. You really do need to tell your parents though, so that you can eat healthier.

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I was afraid that would be the reaction, but I really can't.

Not my parents, as good as they are, I just don't think they would understand as they don't see me as overweight and think that a child losing wieght is stupid and un-needed. I suppose they would understand but it would make things between us very awkward.

Are you sure there is no other way?

Just Tom.

Maybe you could tell your parents that you want to start eating healthier, don't mention losing weight.
And there's smaller things, swap chocolate and crisps with fruit and stop visiting fast food places, things your parents wouldn't notice.

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I was thinking about that, just simple things that couldn't catch their eyes.

Thanks Mercedes.

Well good luck anyway, i hope you reach your target weight.

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Tom, perhaps you could tell your parents you are in training for a sports event or team and would like to get fitter in preparation?

Hmm, I don't know. I wouldn't be sure if they'd really fall for that, they have a tendancy to know when I am lying, doubtless to whether its for a good reason or a bad one.

Tom.

Then maybe you could actually get in training for a sporting event/team

That way you wouldn't be lying!

Haha, you know what, that sounds like an awesome idea, it's just that there is absolutely NO WAY I could do that. My School have already got all their teams organised, and I don't really know...but maybe lying in this case would be more...bending the truth. :P

Thanks for the idea S1919.

No probs Tom, keep your chin up!

Hi Tom (and welcome!)

All my friends have given you good advice so all I'll suggest is you cut right down on all fatty foods. And there is more cooked in oil which basically is fat even the poly-unsats. Also sugar, cut it down if you're having in tea and coffee why not cut it by half?

The oldest in my family has had fatty liver - that is mostly something older people get, and she's in her mid-forties but, did all of the above and shed some 85 pounds since last Christmas. She weighed herself at the end of each week and was well pleased.

It was hard going for her because also she cut out alcohol, and this in itself has calories especially beer. No beefburgers, either. Mercedes gave good advice so if you follow along her's then you won't go far wrong.

Keep us informed. I'd like to know how you get on.


Best,
Poppi

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Some people are like slinkies; not really good for anything but they bring a smile to your face when pushed down the stairs.