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Is 13 too young for a diet ?????
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this opens old wounds for me. ive been overweight since i was seven and its been a steady increase over the years. at 12 i was about 212. my highest weight 3 years ago was 354.6 pounds!
in my childhood my parents had me on special foods, restrictions, shame, atkins, the pasta diet, forced sports activities, slim fast, weight watchers, and magic pills from a "nutritionist" since about 10 years old. every new fad or doctors idea was tested on me. all of which sucked to have to bring to school...
nothing worked because i didn't understand the correlations between what i ate and the weight gain. it was never presented to me like that. knowledge starts at home, while i was made to eat certain ways my family never taught me how to eat or why i was forced to do this, only that one day this food was ok in the house and then the next it was the devil, by 15 everything in my house was some sort of low fat/low calorie something but portion sizes or teaching some sort of control or moderation wasn't implemented, so i would eat the whole box and not think twice about it, it was low fat! it got worse when we would go out to eat or holiday dinners, my father would shame you if you "lost" to the food by not finishing your meal. so i learned that stuffed is when i'm full.
side note - teach your kids to like vegetables! growing up rice and beans were considered vegetables in my life. legit i have eaten more vegetables in 2018 than i can say my entire teen years!
i took me a long time, and im still no where near 100%, to have a healthy relationship with food. i am trying and grinding everyday.
to end i am not against a diet or lifestyle changes for anyone at any age that is overweight. it just need to be a fully rounded plan, with exercise, mental health, and the correct guidance and instruction.
sorry for the rant!24 -
I'm very skeptical of this program WW is going to offer up ... in my mind, it's a ploy for bigger market share through selling their food product line, and a marketing strategy to get membership followers.1
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I wish they had that when I was 13 - I was "shamed" at a doctors office from some old man (like Marcus Welby for us older folk) and I started yo-yo dieting anyway at 7 - I'm amazed at the fear when the kids are doing drugs or parents are putting kids on drugs that maybe are not needed - things that really harm - Any form of eating healthy with others I personally feel would be a blessing if the child is looking for help! They are starving themselves at that age OR eating junk food all day behind parents backs! I'd be more concerned about that! just my heart's opinion0
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Some things make a "diet" treacherous in the teenage years, and I wouldn't trust a diet company to parse:
1. Kids go through growth spurts. A rather chubby 13 yr old can become a lanky 15 yr old just by getting taller.
2. Calorie restriction during this time should be done carefully, as getting enough nutrition, fat & protein, and fuel is hyper critical as kids continue to develop and grow.
3. So many adults with bad relationships with food can trace that back to guilt or shame around food or comfort eating in their childhood. Restricting when a child is still creating that relationship can be dicey.
Obviously you can teach a child how to enjoy and include healthy food, how to moderate and enjoy "special occasion " foods, how to make smart choices about foods that give them energy or make them feel heavy, how to live an active lifestyle. And if a doctor feels your child's health is adversely affected by their weight, a diet may be necessary but should still be done carefully. Just IMHO but I would think putting too much emphasis on restricting food or losing weight should be avoided for kids still growing and developing if possible.
All my sister's and I and my female cousins were full grown by 13. I was definitely full grown.5 -
hotskytrotsky wrote: »I started counting calories around age 13. I was 5' 2" and 125 lbs - not overweight, but definitely chubbier than almost all of my classmates. One of the tricky things about that age is that I was kind of heavy for a 13-year-old, but not heavy for an adult. So was I just going through puberty earlier and developing my adult body type, or was I gaining too much weight? I believe my doctor said I was in the right place on my growth curve. I ate a ton, but I was also super active and growing. But when I started to be conscious of my body compared to my peers, it didn't feel good.
I restricted calories and got down to 112-115 lbs at 5' 2" for a few years. Not underweight at all but this was at a time when I was probably "supposed" to be gaining a little weight or maintaining. I stopped growing in height and stopped getting my period. Didn't get the period back until I was back up over 120 lbs and didn't get the height back until I was 17/18. I think the experience deprived me of some key years of learning how to maintain my diet in a healthy but moderate way - I am having to relearn a lot of that in my 20s. The positives of dieting were that I learned about calories and nutrition, and learned how to cook, so I was more prepared for living independently than some people who had never cooked in their life and was very aware of marketing techniques around healthy and unhealthy foods.
I missed those key years of learning how to manage my own food intake and my weight in an appropriate way, and wound up gaining quite a bit of weight around age 19-20. I'm back down to a normal weight now (123 lbs at 5' 3"), but still struggling to learn how it all works in a healthy but sustainable way. Learning how to listen to my body, etc. Balancing exercise and health concerns with other things that I want to do. I think if teens can "diet" in a way that means learning how to balance health with fun, and how to listen to their bodies and notice/respond to changes without going overboard, that's good. But I'm skeptical because I also know how teens can take things to an extreme and don't have the experience necessary to approach things with moderation, unless they're carefully guided and willing to listen. Historically, a lot of weight loss programs for teens have been pretty psychologically damaging so I'd be wary of that.
Being overweight as a teen is very psychologically damaging! What about that? I always felt like people didn't like me and would avoid me because I was overweight. I didn't have many friends, what I thought at the time was because I was overweight. It seemed like people, even girls, avoided me. I'm not sure if it was a cultural thing or what. It is very damaging to be overweight as a kid and I would try to change it if I had a daughter in the same situation for her own well being.3 -
livenfree45 wrote: »If they are going to teach healthy and not harp on diet/losing weight, I think it's a good plan, but others are right, kids get that (sometimes) at home, at school, they've heard it before, it's no different then us adults, we know what we should do, but it's all about making our selves do it.
Once they hit an age, they will do what they want no matter what the adults tell them, you know, teenagers know best, adults no nothing.....
And talking about not learning how to eat junk in moderation, because some didn't have it in their house growing up, means nothing, we had junk food in our house growing up, Mom fed us a healthy dinner, (what was healthy 40 yrs ago), and we still grew up fat. So having it in the house didn't help us learn to eat it in moderation.
Eating healthy doesnt always help you lose weight. My parents had pretty healthy stuff around at various points in my life and I never really lost a bunch of weight. I did lean out temporarily when I was about 15 at 150. I definitely wasn't aware of it. It may have been the result of depression. I think awareness of when your child is doing good should be brought to his or her attention. Otherwise it is hard to maintain and can kind of blow by.0 -
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WillingtoLose1001984 wrote: »Some things make a "diet" treacherous in the teenage years, and I wouldn't trust a diet company to parse:
1. Kids go through growth spurts. A rather chubby 13 yr old can become a lanky 15 yr old just by getting taller.
2. Calorie restriction during this time should be done carefully, as getting enough nutrition, fat & protein, and fuel is hyper critical as kids continue to develop and grow.
3. So many adults with bad relationships with food can trace that back to guilt or shame around food or comfort eating in their childhood. Restricting when a child is still creating that relationship can be dicey.
Obviously you can teach a child how to enjoy and include healthy food, how to moderate and enjoy "special occasion " foods, how to make smart choices about foods that give them energy or make them feel heavy, how to live an active lifestyle. And if a doctor feels your child's health is adversely affected by their weight, a diet may be necessary but should still be done carefully. Just IMHO but I would think putting too much emphasis on restricting food or losing weight should be avoided for kids still growing and developing if possible.
All my sister's and I and my female cousins were full grown by 13. I was definitely full grown.
OK. Typically, girls will grow in height until @ age 14-15, boys will grow in height until a year or two older. Both girls' and boys' bodies will continue to develop for several years after they stop growing though. Obviously these are averages and generalities and some families will be outliers.7 -
side note - teach your kids to like vegetables! growing up rice and beans were considered vegetables in my life. legit i have eaten more vegetables in 2018 than i can say my entire teen years!
I completely agree with this. I wasn't exactly "taught to like vegetables", but that was just how we ate, it was our normal. When I decided to lose weight I had no problem at all coming up with low calorie vegetable heavy dishes because I already ate a lot of them and liked them a lot, it was normal for me to eat vegetables. This made my transition to dieting not as drastic as some people experience, all I needed to do was to just modify the way I prepared some of my dishes by using less oil and just eat less of others. My already vegetable heavy diet made it easy. Making vegetables a normal part of a child's diet is always a good thing, but if I were made to eat vegetables because they're healthy not because that's just how we eat I'm not sure how I would have reacted to this.3 -
13 is not too young to learn about healthy dietary habits. If the child has a weight issue, it's not too young to get professional help. Don't think a one size fits all plan is appropriate.0
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i didnt know they didnt have teens..my grandmother had me in WW when i was in 8th grade...so 13 or 14.0
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I think that it's wrong that WW is targeting teens from the standpoint of ethical marketing. I don't think that they should be "selling" weight loss to them in the same way that they do to adults.
But, that said, I went on my own version of a "diet" at 15 and lost 100 lbs without any regrets, so I don't think that I can really comment on whether teens should diet or not.
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I have allowed my 14 year old to sign up for MFP because she was upset about her weight as compared to her peers. She isn't actually over weight, just at the higher end of "normal" - but she wanted tools to help her make better choices and to see how different foods impact her so I decided to okay it. I did research to see how many calories she should be intaking and adjusted her goals accordingly. We are also exercising together 3 times a week.
We still have fun food, junk has not been removed from the house, and we focus on the learning aspect of making better choices. I think she also enjoys being able to lord over me about not logging my food (i'm the one who is overweight)
I do wish there was a more teen focused program that she could use, something that focuses more on the educational aspect of food. For example, she loves to see when something she eats hits a lot of nutrient goals.8 -
FaileAybara wrote: »I have allowed my 14 year old to sign up for MFP because she was upset about her weight as compared to her peers. She isn't actually over weight, just at the higher end of "normal" - but she wanted tools to help her make better choices and to see how different foods impact her so I decided to okay it. I did research to see how many calories she should be intaking and adjusted her goals accordingly. We are also exercising together 3 times a week.
We still have fun food, junk has not been removed from the house, and we focus on the learning aspect of making better choices. I think she also enjoys being able to lord over me about not logging my food (i'm the one who is overweight)
I do wish there was a more teen focused program that she could use, something that focuses more on the educational aspect of food. For example, she loves to see when something she eats hits a lot of nutrient goals.
I'm not sure if you realize this but 14 is a violation of the terms of service. She should be on a place like Spark Teens and not MFP. They have more information and tools geared for teens while MFP is strictly for adults 18 and over.
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Wheelhouse15 wrote: »FaileAybara wrote: »I have allowed my 14 year old to sign up for MFP because she was upset about her weight as compared to her peers. She isn't actually over weight, just at the higher end of "normal" - but she wanted tools to help her make better choices and to see how different foods impact her so I decided to okay it. I did research to see how many calories she should be intaking and adjusted her goals accordingly. We are also exercising together 3 times a week.
We still have fun food, junk has not been removed from the house, and we focus on the learning aspect of making better choices. I think she also enjoys being able to lord over me about not logging my food (i'm the one who is overweight)
I do wish there was a more teen focused program that she could use, something that focuses more on the educational aspect of food. For example, she loves to see when something she eats hits a lot of nutrient goals.
I'm not sure if you realize this but 14 is a violation of the terms of service. She should be on a place like Spark Teens and not MFP. They have more information and tools geared for teens while MFP is strictly for adults 18 and over.
That's no longer a thing, unfortunately. If it's under the supervision on her parents and doctor I don't see why not.5 -
amusedmonkey wrote: »Wheelhouse15 wrote: »FaileAybara wrote: »I have allowed my 14 year old to sign up for MFP because she was upset about her weight as compared to her peers. She isn't actually over weight, just at the higher end of "normal" - but she wanted tools to help her make better choices and to see how different foods impact her so I decided to okay it. I did research to see how many calories she should be intaking and adjusted her goals accordingly. We are also exercising together 3 times a week.
We still have fun food, junk has not been removed from the house, and we focus on the learning aspect of making better choices. I think she also enjoys being able to lord over me about not logging my food (i'm the one who is overweight)
I do wish there was a more teen focused program that she could use, something that focuses more on the educational aspect of food. For example, she loves to see when something she eats hits a lot of nutrient goals.
I'm not sure if you realize this but 14 is a violation of the terms of service. She should be on a place like Spark Teens and not MFP. They have more information and tools geared for teens while MFP is strictly for adults 18 and over.
That's no longer a thing, unfortunately. If it's under the supervision on her parents and doctor I don't see why not.
Did they change the TOS? I feel old here now lol. I would highly recommend active supervision of any young teens knowing what goes on here.
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well dieting and eating healthy are 2 different things. all weight watchers is, is portion control but you still eat anything you want. you aren't cutting certain things out like carbs or sweets or only eating certain items. I think it's a great idea to help young people understand what their body needs versus wants.0
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amusedmonkey wrote: »Wheelhouse15 wrote: »FaileAybara wrote: »I have allowed my 14 year old to sign up for MFP because she was upset about her weight as compared to her peers. She isn't actually over weight, just at the higher end of "normal" - but she wanted tools to help her make better choices and to see how different foods impact her so I decided to okay it. I did research to see how many calories she should be intaking and adjusted her goals accordingly. We are also exercising together 3 times a week.
We still have fun food, junk has not been removed from the house, and we focus on the learning aspect of making better choices. I think she also enjoys being able to lord over me about not logging my food (i'm the one who is overweight)
I do wish there was a more teen focused program that she could use, something that focuses more on the educational aspect of food. For example, she loves to see when something she eats hits a lot of nutrient goals.
I'm not sure if you realize this but 14 is a violation of the terms of service. She should be on a place like Spark Teens and not MFP. They have more information and tools geared for teens while MFP is strictly for adults 18 and over.
That's no longer a thing, unfortunately. If it's under the supervision on her parents and doctor I don't see why not.
Actually, it still seems to be. From the TOS (https://account.underarmour.com/terms-and-conditions?locale=en):1. Use of the Services and Your Account
(a) Who can use the Under Armour Services
Under Armour supports and encourages athletes of all ages, but you must be at least 13 to use most of the Services, and at least 18 to use Under Armour Shopping and MyFitnessPal.
You must be at least eighteen (18) years of age to use MyFitnessPal, eighteen (18) years of age to use Under Armour Shopping (unless otherwise specified in separate policies applicable to certain specific jurisdictions) and at least thirteen (13) years of age to use the other Services. If you are between the ages of 13-18, you may use the Services (excluding Under Armour Shopping and MyFitnessPal) only with the supervision and consent of a parent or guardian. No individual under these age limits may use the Services, provide any Personal Data to Under Armour, or otherwise submit Personal Data through the Services (e.g., a name, address, telephone number, or email address).3 -
estherdragonbat wrote: »amusedmonkey wrote: »Wheelhouse15 wrote: »FaileAybara wrote: »I have allowed my 14 year old to sign up for MFP because she was upset about her weight as compared to her peers. She isn't actually over weight, just at the higher end of "normal" - but she wanted tools to help her make better choices and to see how different foods impact her so I decided to okay it. I did research to see how many calories she should be intaking and adjusted her goals accordingly. We are also exercising together 3 times a week.
We still have fun food, junk has not been removed from the house, and we focus on the learning aspect of making better choices. I think she also enjoys being able to lord over me about not logging my food (i'm the one who is overweight)
I do wish there was a more teen focused program that she could use, something that focuses more on the educational aspect of food. For example, she loves to see when something she eats hits a lot of nutrient goals.
I'm not sure if you realize this but 14 is a violation of the terms of service. She should be on a place like Spark Teens and not MFP. They have more information and tools geared for teens while MFP is strictly for adults 18 and over.
That's no longer a thing, unfortunately. If it's under the supervision on her parents and doctor I don't see why not.
Actually, it still seems to be. From the TOS (https://account.underarmour.com/terms-and-conditions?locale=en):1. Use of the Services and Your Account
(a) Who can use the Under Armour Services
Under Armour supports and encourages athletes of all ages, but you must be at least 13 to use most of the Services, and at least 18 to use Under Armour Shopping and MyFitnessPal.
You must be at least eighteen (18) years of age to use MyFitnessPal, eighteen (18) years of age to use Under Armour Shopping (unless otherwise specified in separate policies applicable to certain specific jurisdictions) and at least thirteen (13) years of age to use the other Services. If you are between the ages of 13-18, you may use the Services (excluding Under Armour Shopping and MyFitnessPal) only with the supervision and consent of a parent or guardian. No individual under these age limits may use the Services, provide any Personal Data to Under Armour, or otherwise submit Personal Data through the Services (e.g., a name, address, telephone number, or email address).
I'm from the pre-UA days, I miss those so much, things were much more interesting lol.0 -
Wheelhouse15 wrote: »amusedmonkey wrote: »Wheelhouse15 wrote: »FaileAybara wrote: »I have allowed my 14 year old to sign up for MFP because she was upset about her weight as compared to her peers. She isn't actually over weight, just at the higher end of "normal" - but she wanted tools to help her make better choices and to see how different foods impact her so I decided to okay it. I did research to see how many calories she should be intaking and adjusted her goals accordingly. We are also exercising together 3 times a week.
We still have fun food, junk has not been removed from the house, and we focus on the learning aspect of making better choices. I think she also enjoys being able to lord over me about not logging my food (i'm the one who is overweight)
I do wish there was a more teen focused program that she could use, something that focuses more on the educational aspect of food. For example, she loves to see when something she eats hits a lot of nutrient goals.
I'm not sure if you realize this but 14 is a violation of the terms of service. She should be on a place like Spark Teens and not MFP. They have more information and tools geared for teens while MFP is strictly for adults 18 and over.
That's no longer a thing, unfortunately. If it's under the supervision on her parents and doctor I don't see why not.
Did they change the TOS? I feel old here now lol. I would highly recommend active supervision of any young teens knowing what goes on here.
No they didn't, I just feel they should. I just feel bad for teens for not having any options.1
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