LOSING WEIGHT

Dear GZ Advisor,
I'm a 14 year old girl who is 5' 9" and weighs 187 pounds. What can I do to lose weight without asking family, or doctors?
signed -- fat you-know-what

Dear Friend,
First, stop thinking of yourself as fat. Start thinking of yourself as a young woman who's interested in taking charge of her health.

We can understand why you might feel uncomfortable asking for help or advice regarding weight loss. But doctors are professionals, and they will honor a request for confidentiality. A physician can help you determine if you need to lose weight and suggest a weight loss plan that's right for you.

A book that can help is The Right Moves: A Girl's Guide To Getting Fit And Feeling Good by Tina Schwager and Michele Schuerger. It's fun to read and has sound advice about eating right, fitness, body image and more.  Focusing on feeling good is a worthwhile goal.

Check out this article in Bodyopolis - Inside Out - Chewing the Fat.

Take Care--GZ Advisor