Should A Person Of My Age Try Fasting? (Obese at 14)

Okay, so here is the laydown. I've tried every other way, but I'm just not loosing weight. Here are the facts:

• I am 14 years of age
• Male
• BMI (Body Mass Index) of 38.6
• Height: 5'5"
• Weight: 232 pounds
• Slow Metabolism
• History Of Diabetes in the family

I really don't want to change my lifestyle too much to be healthy, but I don't want to do too little either. Here's what I'm willing to do:

• Changing diet (no excessive amounts of sugar, sweets, etc)
• Eating in small portions every day

Here are things I can't do:

• Excessive exercises
• Not eating for days
• Get a gym membership (can't afford it)

Mind you, I'm still in school, so limiting my diet to limited things isn't a very good idea. (Example: Just water and a piece of fruit everyday. I need more than that to get me and my brain going everyday.)

Anyway to work out my problem slowly without starving myself for days or working out 4 hours a day? It would be fantastic if I could reach 180-190 lbs. by next summer.

Thanks OT!

You're goal isn't unreachable. You can lose 3-5 lbs a week if you reaaallllly train yourself. You gotta be real strict on your diet and exercise, and you mentioned excessive exercise which no one should do anyways.

By the way, you're extremely articulate for a 14 year old.

Fasting isn't a heathly option, ever. Diet and exercise as much as you can. But most importantly, be consistent with said dieting/exercise.

Here are things I can't do:

• Excessive exercises

MasterBolt360

Define excessive exercises?

Fasting is not the solution, changing your lifestyle and eating habits is.

Don't eat junk and high calorie food and do exercises everyday (if you're not sweating it's not working.)

No easy way I'm afraid.

Just watch what you eat. Go for a walk around the block every day or two days. Just get out and get active. Find someone to walk with, being a friend or a family member. There are plenty of fruits that are tasty and healthy, like Grapes. Munch on those whenever u get a small craving for food. Main thing is to just say NO to fastfood and such. I know its hard because It tastes so good and its too tempting. just try and do the healthier thing.

Oh, and even if you did fast your body would just try to store up fat even more.

Go for a walk around the block...

Papadrach

I would say run several laps around the block.

You don't need to go to a gym to get results.

The world is your gym. Do pushups, crunches, situps, oblique twists. Use your own body weight first. For your cardio, run around your block, your school's track. Run sprints (that REALLY torches body fat). Interval running is good to. All of this can be achieved without a gym membership or anything like that.

As for food, the main things would be: No more junk foods, no fast food. Period. Eat more vegetables and fruits. Consume less protein, less carbohydrates,and less fats, especially saturated fast (i.e. ice cream bars, fast food burgers, candy, processed foods like chips and cookies *Lays, Chips-Ahoy, stuff like that*) Eat small portions of food a day, around 5 meals a day. Keep them light and healthy. The internet is your friend, and just try to look for a body workout routine that would fit your schedule and your body/caloric needs.

Keep a workout log in order to keep track of your progress and keep yourself motivated.

It will be hard.Trust me, it's easier said than done. You will want to quit. However, when you reach your goal it will be worth it and you will be happier. I've been through this so I can relate. I recommend not keeping this to your self but have a family member or friend to help you along and push you when you don't think you can go on.

The sooner you get thinner the better. It's definatly possible. Not eating fatty foods isn't the hard part. It's exercising. Just do it. It will change your life for the better.

Though I'm not obese, I'm in the same rut as you are. Make sure you exercise at least an hour a day. Try jogging, or riding your bike. Or perhaps you could go on long hikes-they really give you a workout.

As for food, it varies. But I'm trying to eat less than 1500 calories a day. Though it's not very stringent. It's just a goal. Stay away from greasy food, and don't eat very much carbs and fat.

And last but not least, drink lots of water. Drinking enough water will make you eat less food, and therefore snack less. Occupy yourself with an activity like surfing the web or homework to get your mind off of cravings.

Also, contact a doctor. They know what's best and can get you started on the right track. Good luck ;)

The fact that you want to do this is a step in the right direction. :)

Fasting once a week would be alright, it would definitely help out your situation. Just don't use it as your primary way of loosing weight. Excercising and eating low fat foods is what you really need to do.

It will be hard.Trust me, it's easier said than done. You will want to quit. However, when you reach your goal it will be worth it and you will be happier. I've been through this so I can relate. I recommend not keeping this to your self but have a family member or friend to help you along and push you when you don't think you can go on.

The sooner you get thinner the better. It's definatly possible. Not eating fatty foods isn't the hard part. It's exercising. Just do it. It will change your life for the better.

Lebbin

Obese is only used to classify adults I think.

Anyways, I think you should count on diet and some exercise.
Dont forget its not only about how much, but what you eat. No more fast food, no junk food. Try getting into oatmeal and eat that for breakfast.
Fruits are a great substitute for candy and junk food. Drink alot of water. Start out walking maybe if you dont care how long it takes, than eventually work up to light jogging and eventually running.

Sorry if I gave no useful information =P

Also, don't fast to lose weight. Trust me, I fast every year for a month, and I tell you, you gain all of your weight back after you resume your eating habits.

Well, you're only 14, which means that you're probably still growing. I wouldn't suggest you starve yourself, although do cut the sugary drinks etc... I'd recommend running, biking, or at the very least walking. Step up the workout as your endurance increases.

Absolutely NOT. At age 14 especially its a horrible idea.

My suggestion:

Think of a physical activity you actually enjoy and wouldnt mind repeating.

GO do it.

At your age you should be doing alot of cardio type excercises.

Basketball, Football, Soccer, Running, Bicycling, Skateboarding, Rollerskating, ETC ETC ETC

If you were a bit older i would suggest weight training but i've heard its not a good idea for younger people.

Don't try a totally drastic diet because unless you have the will of the gods it won't work at all.

Cut your food portion size. Skip pop. Go for Tea(any kind will do) and Juice(low sugar).

Eat vegetables. You may not enjoy them as much as a candy bar but if you can find some you like stick to that.

Eat fish rather then meat. Fish is often delicious and is jam-packed with nutrients and vitamins. Eat lean white meat when you're not eating fish.

Try to avoid fast food! fast food is horrible for you and usually tastes mediocre compared to a good homecooked meal.

Keep yourself as busy as possible.

Take baby steps.

Whats your motivation for losing weight? Focus on that. Don't focus on losing the weight, focus on why you're doing it.

and finally.....GET TEH LADIEZZZZZZ BRO!!!! LOL.

wow 38bmi DAMN fasting will not help u need to cut ur calories and do cardio

Okay, so here is the laydown. I've tried every other way, but I'm just not loosing weight. Here are the facts:

• I am 14 years of age
• Male
• BMI (Body Mass Index) of 38.6
• Height: 5'5"
• Weight: 232 pounds
• Slow Metabolism
• History Of Diabetes in the family

I really don't want to change my lifestyle too much to be healthy, but I don't want to do too little either. Here's what I'm willing to do:

• Changing diet (no excessive amounts of sugar, sweets, etc)
• Eating in small portions every day

Here are things I can't do:

• Excessive exercises
• Not eating for days
• Get a gym membership (can't afford it)

Mind you, I'm still in school, so limiting my diet to limited things isn't a very good idea. (Example: Just water and a piece of fruit everyday. I need more than that to get me and my brain going everyday.)

Anyway to work out my problem slowly without starving myself for days or working out 4 hours a day? It would be fantastic if I could reach 180-190 lbs. by next summer.

Thanks OT!

MasterBolt360

Absolutely NOT. At age 14 especially its a horrible idea.

My suggestion:

Think of a physical activity you actually enjoy and wouldnt mind repeating.

GO do it.

At your age you should be doing alot of cardio type excercises.

Basketball, Football, Soccer, Running, Bicycling, Skateboarding, Rollerskating, ETC ETC ETC

If you were a bit older i would suggest weight training but i've heard its not a good idea for younger people.

Don't try a totally drastic diet because unless you have the will of the gods it won't work at all.

Cut your food portion size. Skip pop. Go for Tea(any kind will do) and Juice(low sugar).

Eat vegetables. You may not enjoy them as much as a candy bar but if you can find some you like stick to that.

Eat fish rather then meat. Fish is often delicious and is jam-packed with nutrients and vitamins. Eat lean white meat when you're not eating fish.

Try to avoid fast food! fast food is horrible for you and usually tastes mediocre compared to a good homecooked meal.

Keep yourself as busy as possible.

Take baby steps.

Whats your motivation for losing weight? Focus on that. Don't focus on losing the weight, focus on why you're doing it.

and finally.....GET TEH LADIEZZZZZZ BRO!!!! LOL.

modestkraut1291

Heh, you took the words right out of my mouth. :p

No! Not a good idea! And fasting never is!

It's not too hard really, but you HAVE TO COMMIT. Losing weight is a really hard thing to do, maybe you could look into programs at a local gym? Try talking to your parents or another adult who's support would be helpful.

Change your diet, permentatly.

I recently lost 62lbs. I did it by cutting out junk food, and walking everywhere I went. None of my clothes fit anymore.

Instead of eating less, try eating something more "healthy" than what you are eating on a regular basic now. Substitute that bag of cookies with bread, and drink water, juice or tea instead of soda and milk. Also, don't quit your regular meal altogether. Instead, try incorporating more fruits and veggies into your diet. Completely changing your regular diet altogether will just make it more difficult to fundamentally change your eating habit, and possibly cause you to resent your diet plan. Anyway changes should be implemented gradually instead of all-or-nothing, unless you are sure you have a strong enough will that can carry you through.

Walking is a good exercise to start off. You don't really need to do anything strenuous necessarily to call it exercising. You can do it any time and anywhere. Depends on where you live you can try walking a block from your house and then back. Once you are used to it you can try walking farther. It really shouldn't take too long to start seeing result if you are discipline enough to implement your plan and stick with it.

Fasting doesn't work. Your body stops buring fat when you stop eating to conserve it.

Start young, exercise and eat better. If you stay too long at obese, your body will eventually start to reject to positive of exercsie and eating right. Losing weight becomes the equivalent of getting off Heroin: nearly impossible. At that point, the only way you will lose weight is through surgery(LapBand, Gastric Bypass)

But you are still very young, so you can still lose the weight. Take it from someone like me. I have been dieting and running every day for six months, and have lost about 20 pounds total. At this point in my life, surgery is the only answer. But you can still lose that weight.

Fasting doesn't work. Your body stops buring fat when you stop eating to conserve it.

Start young, exercise and eat better. If you stay too long at obese, your body will eventually start to reject to positive of exercsie and eating right. Losing weight becomes the equivalent of getting off Heroin: nearly impossible. At that point, the only way you will lose weight is through surgery(LapBand, Gastric Bypass)

But you are still very young, so you can still lose the weight. Take it from someone like me. I have been dieting and running every day for six months, and have lost about 20 pounds total. At this point in my life, surgery is the only answer. But you can still lose that weight.

heysharpshooter

[QUOTE="heysharpshooter"]

Fasting doesn't work. Your body stops buring fat when you stop eating to conserve it.

Start young, exercise and eat better. If you stay too long at obese, your body will eventually start to reject to positive of exercsie and eating right. Losing weight becomes the equivalent of getting off Heroin: nearly impossible. At that point, the only way you will lose weight is through surgery(LapBand, Gastric Bypass)

But you are still very young, so you can still lose the weight. Take it from someone like me. I have been dieting and running every day for six months, and have lost about 20 pounds total. At this point in my life, surgery is the only answer. But you can still lose that weight.

DarthSatan

Its different for each person. Some people, like me, just do not lose weight. Others lose the weight, but eventually put it back on. I did not say it was impossible: getting off Heroin is nearly impossible, but some have succeded and are clean. Some will succed at losing and keeping off the weight. But your chances drop dramatically. It's better to develop good habits young, thats all I am saying.

Fasting is a terrible way to even attempt to lose weight, and will fail and probably back fire with sever health issues if you did it for too long. A couple simple things from someone who was in similiar shoes back in the day

Portions, make them smaller.

hopefully schools still have a 30 min lunch, talk while you eat. the stomach has lag, and it takes 5-10 min for it to tell you you're full.

bring a lunch from school consisting of things like Green Tea, fruit/salad and a piece of chicken (grilled). if you can't bring a lunch from home, make healthy choices with school lunch. side salads instead of french fried, fruit salad instead of the brownies. you get the idea

You don't have to murder yourself in the gym to lose weight. all it takes is 30 minutes a day 3-4 days a week. the quickest way I found to losing weight. WALK. walk here, there everywere you can. (I had to walk everywere in college a couple years ago. I dropped weight so fast it was amazing). this would count as your exercize.

drink lots of water and Green Tea. water helps flush the crud out of your system, and so does Green Tea.

the best snacks in the world for losing weight are Celery and Carrots. these have so few calories in them that your body actually expells more energy digesting them than they contain (i.e. you will actually lose a minute amount of weight eating them. but obviously noticible effects take a while).

all I can think of right now.

[QUOTE="DarthSatan"]

[QUOTE="heysharpshooter"]

Fasting doesn't work. Your body stops buring fat when you stop eating to conserve it.

Start young, exercise and eat better. If you stay too long at obese, your body will eventually start to reject to positive of exercsie and eating right. Losing weight becomes the equivalent of getting off Heroin: nearly impossible. At that point, the only way you will lose weight is through surgery(LapBand, Gastric Bypass)

But you are still very young, so you can still lose the weight. Take it from someone like me. I have been dieting and running every day for six months, and have lost about 20 pounds total. At this point in my life, surgery is the only answer. But you can still lose that weight.

heysharpshooter

Its different for each person. Some people, like me, just do not lose weight. Others lose the weight, but eventually put it back on. I did not say it was impossible: getting off Heroin is nearly impossible, but some have succeded and are clean. Some will succed at losing and keeping off the weight. But your chances drop dramatically. It's better to develop good habits young, thats all I am saying.

[QUOTE="DarthSatan"]

[QUOTE="heysharpshooter"]

Its different for each person. Some people, like me, just do not lose weight. Others lose the weight, but eventually put it back on. I did not say it was impossible: getting off Heroin is nearly impossible, but some have succeded and are clean. Some will succed at losing and keeping off the weight. But your chances drop dramatically. It's better to develop good habits young, thats all I am saying.

Lilyanne46

Because (I suspect you already know about it but) men have higher metabolism usually. Being a female, however, I have great motabolism and I lose weight extremely easily, even if I don't eat for a day I might lose a pound. Mostly because I play a sport and I eat very healthy. But it's not that common but it's not rare for females.

[QUOTE="DarthSatan"]

[QUOTE="heysharpshooter"]

Its different for each person. Some people, like me, just do not lose weight. Others lose the weight, but eventually put it back on. I did not say it was impossible: getting off Heroin is nearly impossible, but some have succeded and are clean. Some will succed at losing and keeping off the weight. But your chances drop dramatically. It's better to develop good habits young, thats all I am saying.

Lilyanne46

Because (I suspect you already know about it but) men have higher metabolism usually. Being a female, however, I have great motabolism and I lose weight extremely easily, even if I don't eat for a day I might lose a pound. Mostly because I play a sport and I eat very healthy. But it's not that common but it's not rare for females.

True. Female weight gain tends to get worse as they age. In general, younger people, assuming they have mildly healthy habits early on in life, will be fit. You are active and eat well, but much later in life(I assume you are younger), you will struggle more than men to keep weight off. But its not that common... I know a lot of chubby dudes who exercise and eat(relativley) well.