weight problems

[gus1me2]

hi my name is gustavo iam 15 and i think iam over weight. i weigh close to 250 pound and i dont want to be over weight any more it is very hard for me. i cant wear nice clothes to school because it looks ugly on me, and my friends and other people are always makin fun of me and it gets me very sad. i always see the program the doctors on tv and they had overweight people and they say that overweight people have a lower life span. and to here that it just gets me sad. just to know that in any moment i could have a stroke or something i mean it is very terifing. once i herd my parents talking in their room they were worried cuz of my weight. they were saying that at anytime i will go to the hospital. can someone help me i dont want this i want a normal life and i want to live more. please help. i thought that i would never hadto admit it but i am over weight.

[James G Beckerman, M.D.]

Gus,

You seem to have a lot of insight into your health for a young man, which I think is great.  It's smart to be concerned about this stuff at your age, and I think your first step is to share your concerns with your parents.  Finding your best solution can be difficult when you are working through it all by yourself.  You and your parents should talk about your concerns, and then make a visit to your pediatrician to make a plan.  Take care.

[Jaquta]

Acknowledging you have a weight problem is an important first step.

Could you ask your parents to take you to the doctor so that you can discuss your weight and take it from there.  There should be supports out there to help individuals like yourself.  Let your doctor help guide you through this process.

Good luck!