From Kristina, Age 16 - 01/21/18 - IP#: 96.235.180.xxx  Click here to reply  
Ht. 5'7", Start: 240 lb, Today: 230 lb (BMI %tile: 98), Goal: 140 lb - For as long as I can remember I've always been an overweight and plus size person. I've always tried to lose weight in the past but I was never successful. I've recently realized why it never worked: because I did it for all the wrong reasons. Like for example I wanted to lose weight so guys would like me and I could be pretty. But over the past couple of months I have been focusing on self love and loving who I am and my body how it is even though it's not up to society's standards. I recently have tried to lose weight again but unlike my attempts in the past I'm somewhat successful. The thing that changed is I want to improve my health for me. I'm at risk for diabetes, heart issues run in my family, and I want to live a long life because there's a lot I want to do in this world. The healthier I eat the better I feel mentally and physically. I feel better about myself because I'm working to be the best me there is and that makes me happy. I also have motivation like I want to be in shape and able to wear clothes I like and that fit my sense of style when my girl scout troop goes to disney for a week this summer and things like prom my senior year. So one thing that has really helped me is to shift my reasoning for wanting to lose weight. Hope this helps other teens because your value and self worth comes from how you feel about yourself and not if guys find you attractive or not.