Should there be an age limit on dieting?

LemonPoppySeedMuffin

People forget that healthy diet means a well balanced diet. Just eating fruit & veg can be as dangerous as just eating veg. You miss out on so many vital nutrients by sticking to the same thing.

I almost wish they'd teach nutrition and stuff in schools, but more in depth than they actually do. I don't remember learning anything about having a healthy lifestyle when I was young. Though I guess it's the parents that are buying the food soo...

I think education pays a big part to it too. However, children find 'healthy eating' boring. In school, I never paid attention to the posters that were in our canteen to advice to be healthy.

dancer4275

I started dieting around the age of 10.

There was a weight limit to play mini-football for my age bracket (I believe the weight was 115lbs). I remember being *really* young and running the track wearing a garbage bag under my cloths (to sweat like crazy) before the football game to make weight. I did this between ages 10-13.

I never wrestled in high school, but I know guys would do crazy stuff to lose a lot of weight in a short period of time.

I agree. I'm constantly on a diet. For certain sports, specifically gymnastics and dance, a certain body type is required. In order to stay within that range, you are forced to eat less calories than the average person your age would.

quitmakingexcuses

I started dieting around the age of 10.

There was a weight limit to play mini-football for my age bracket (I believe the weight was 115lbs). I remember being *really* young and running the track wearing a garbage bag under my cloths (to sweat like crazy) before the football game to make weight. I did this between ages 10-13.

I never wrestled in high school, but I know guys would do crazy stuff to lose a lot of weight in a short period of time.

I agree. I'm constantly on a diet. For certain sports, specifically gymnastics and dance, a certain body type is required. In order to stay within that range, you are forced to eat less calories than the average person your age would.

Which is sad.. My mom actually didn't want my little sister in ballet because of they pressure they put on girls (and boys) to look a certain way. And especially with how our family is built (big hips and a big butt) she just wouldn't be able to live up to it!

dancer4275

I completely agree! I think there is a difference in using it for a healthier lifestyle and using it to "diet." But I'm 23, and I have friends my own age doing it for the wrong reasons.

I agree with this. No matter what age, over eighteen or under...there will always be people who want to lose weight for the wrong reason.

Pollywog39

We are a weight-obsessed culture, and I don't see that changing anytime soon.

Until we learn that we don't all have to be a size 8, and that eating healthy means eating in moderation (and eating "real" food, instead of everything processed to the max), and that a bit of exercise is GOOD for everyone..........we will continue to obsess and find fault with our bodies.

We all need to stop reading the madness - each new report that says that THIS is bad for you and THAT will kill you and WHATEVER you're doing is wrong. Listen to your body, get regular physicals, eat REAL food................and put down the smartphone/ipod/ipad/wii/whatever. GO OUTSIDE. Live.

Nothing will change until WE, as individuals, change it.

Alice230

I agree. Anyone under the age of 18 should have to see a Doctor and a Psychologist at least monthly before and while dieting. To make sure they are not doing it for the wrong reasons and don't develop any eating disorders.

BeeElMarvin

A fad diet - yes, there should be a limit, but portion control, eating healthy and being knowledgeable about what you are putting in your body should start at an early age.

LemonPoppySeedMuffin

A fad diet - yes, there should be a limit, but portion control, eating healthy and being knowledgeable about what you are putting in your body should start at an early age.

I agree.

Scott613

Depends, I took weightgainer in second grade. My dad gave me some and I was like damn this is delicious. It became part of my diet.

ninerbuff

I started dieting around the age of 10.

There was a weight limit to play mini-football for my age bracket (I believe the weight was 115lbs). I remember being *really* young and running the track wearing a garbage bag under my cloths (to sweat like crazy) before the football game to make weight. I did this between ages 10-13.

I never wrestled in high school, but I know guys would do crazy stuff to lose a lot of weight in a short period of time.

It's idiotic IMO to have weight classes for sports if they AREN'T going to be weighed in just before their bout begins. Guys drop weight get weighed for the bout the next day and after rehydrate and carb up and gain 10-12lbs. So in reality their over their weight limit. Don't know how it could be controlled better, but all that fluctuating isn't good especially since most "coaches" have no idea about electrolyte balances.

Johnnyswife

I definitely do think so. I believe anyone under 18 should only diet for medical purposes e.g. being GENUINELY overweight. Too many young ones get caught up in it all, ruining their lives when they were fine as they were. There are so many under-aged on here, this site is wonderful however if used for the wrong reasons, can be a death trap.

Don't mess with your body when it's developing! Because if you do, you'll be stuck with it for life.

DIETING AS IN EATING LESS CALORIES THAN THE RECOMMENDED AMOUNT.

I wish I had waited till after 18 before jumping on the yo yo cycle of dieting. I wonder at times, if I wouldn't have as many issues as I do if I hadn't started so early. When I look back at old pics, I wasn't nearly as bad as I thought I looked.