Dieting and Excersiing, not losing weight

[danny605]

Dear All,

I am fifteen years old and would like to lose some weight. Please don't tell me its unhealthy for teenagers to diet, because I'm not happy with my body weight, I'm a little overweight. I am on a no carb diet, with mainly protein and wegetables, and I'm excericing a lot; walking, lots of running and riding, but I'm not losing weight.
I'm 120lbs and would like to be at least 113. All I find myself doing is building muscle underneath the fat, making me look bigger. How can I burn off fat, especially on my thighs and stomach?
thanks

Thanks

[piynel]

My dear when ur frustrated u will not lose any weight. First stop stressing and take one day at a time, eat in small portions and dont diet. Start a diet you can maintain, its great that you are running walking and riding but make it fun for yourself coz if you dont you wil get so stressed and you will stop. One day at the time and i believe the weight will go off. 120lbs isnt so bad, you are beautiful and dont waste the best years of your life worried about the weight that will go off, enjoy life. Be happy and that dont be stressed. cheers

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

The mantra to a healthy body weight is a healthy lifestyle. If you are aiming at losing weight, it is important to calculate your current BMI and the target BMI. The target BMI should be in a healthy range. Aside indulging in moderate amounts of physical exercise it is also essential to maintain a healthy diet plan. It is important to know that a diet plan is not about cutting down calories; it’s about ‘healthy’ eating. When one cuts down on calories, the body sends a signal to the brain which in turn turns on the ‘stress hormones’ and the body switches into the ‘starvation mode’ and paradoxically one may notice an increased weight. One would need adequate amount of calories to support the basic metabolic functions. A healthy diet should consist of adequate amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, fat and plenty of fruits and vegetables to supply vitamins and minerals. Start with a healthy breakfast, moderate lunch and light dinner. I would also suggest a change in your exercise regimen. You may rotate between a gym, swimming, yoga, aerobics, jogging, cycling etc. It is important to tone up your body before you take to specific exercises that work around the abs and the thighs. Also keep a track of calorie intake and your work out. With gradual consistent efforts, you should be able to gain weight as desired in a healthy way. Hope this helps.

Take care!