Dear DOLLY, I have a weight problem: I'm nearly 14, weigh 75 kilos and am 162cm tall. I get bagged out by my parents because of how "big" I am and I want to become fitter and healthier, but without their support, I end up getting bigger and bigger! Please help! Ashleigh, via email
I'm impressed by your maturity - you want to be fit and healthy and you recognise that the lack of support you feel plays an important part in getting there. Being overweight is a common health problem, you are certainly not alone.
As you probably know, it can lead to problems such as heart disease and diabetes and there's no better time than when you're young to try to turn that around. But, as you've also pointed out, it's not just about eating and exercise - it's also about how you feel and your relationships with others. It sounds as though there's a vicious cycle already happening in your life, and that better understanding and communication between you and your parents could hold the key to help you get on top of your weight issues.
Since you've already taken the step of writing in, why don't you take another brave step and have a talk to your parents. It's possible they don't know how bad you feel, and how much worse their comments make you feel.
Let them know that you're keen to be fit and healthy and talk to them about what they could do to support you. While it's fantastic if you have your parents behind you, you can actually take control of a healthier lifestyle yourself.
If you're unsure about healthy eating and balanced diets get as much info as you can and teach yourself about how much of the different food groups you should be eating each day, and what extra nutrition is important during the teenage years, such as iron and calcium for girls.
Start walking every day, for 30 minutes - if that's too crazy, then do it at least five days a week. Ask mum or dad to come with you or try to do a family activity once a week that's outdoors, and get rid of the TV from your bedroom (if you have one in it) and only watch TV once or twice a week. Finally, talk to your doctor, a counsellor or a dietitian if you want more professional help.
