Question:
Hey Juliette and Dr. Swanson. I’m overweight and have low self confidence. I mean, from another person’s perspective I might have a good life because everyone says I’m nice and because there’s this cute boy that I think might like me. Though, I feel like I don’t have a good life. In the past year seven people very close to my family have died including my aunt with cancer. I also feel like I will never live my dreams and will never have a best friend. All this with me being overweight, I’ve been working out but it is sooooo hard for me to control my eating habits. When I heard the average weight for girls my age I just cried. I need help girls. I’m crying at this moment. Thank you for your time. -Eve
Eve, 12, MI
SIMPLY SWANSON
Dear Eve,
You talk mostly about your weight being the problem but the fact that you mentioned many other worries and stressful events you've experienced (ex: losing seven people close to your family) seems to point to the real problems that need to be addressed. Stress can cause you to gain weight or to have problem losing weight. It sounds like you could use someone outside of your family to talk to - a counselor (psychologist, social worker, etc.) could help you understand how to deal with situations and worries that you're dealing with, including the reasons your eating gets out of control. Weight problems are not usually about the food you're eating - they are usually about eating when you're not really hungry, and figuring out why you do that. Once you do that and start having a healthier approach to taking care of yourself in different parts of your life, you will be on the road to a healthier body, too. I wish you the best.
– Dr. Marion
JUST JULIETTE
Dear Eve,
There can be many reasons for why you are overeating. Losing all of those people close to you can cause much stress and anxiety and can make you feel more uncomfortable about yourself that you have in the past. If you want to get your eating back on track, I 100% recommend seeing a nutritionist. Not only will they help you control how much food and what type of food you eat, but they will also help you with your eating habits, since you mentioned not being able to stop eating. Working out is only half the equation, and even though it is tough, find an exercise that you enjoy doing such as running, riding a bike or swimming, so that the workout isn't so difficult for you. Hang in there!
– Juliette
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A Quick Reminder:
Everyone is different—what might work for someone else might not work for you. Dr. Swanson's and Juliette's ideas might give you a new way of looking at things but always talk with an adult you trust (parents, teacher, aunt/uncle) before making important decisions or if you have a serious problem.
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