From Ashley, Age 11 - 01/30/01 - IP#: 24.240.166.xxx  Click here to reply  
Hi my name is ashley I am big all over especially my stomach everyone tells me I have to lose weight but I can't Iam 4'11' and I weigh around 165 I just don't know what to do I know I should lose weight and exercise but I have no one to help me really my mom and dad are divorced and my dad never come anymore to see me cause he has a new girl friend and she has a daughter around 12 so I guess he doesn't need me anymore.my mom is disabled in a wheelchair so she can't do to much with me I guess Iam kind of lonely and depresssesd can anyone give me so real helpppp?
Reply from Michelle, Age 13 - 02/10/01 
I know how you feel! I am 5" 1' and I weigh 156. I've been dieting since the beginning of January and have lost about 12 pounds. e-mail me at redhair487@yahoo.com
I'll help you if you really want some help!
Michelle		 
Reply from Sue, Age 39 - 01/30/01 
First of all I think you need to talk to your mum about this. I appreciate that she can't do a lot of exercise with you but she should be aware of how you are feeling. There are a lot of exercises that can be done in a wheelchair so you probably could exercise together if she is up to it.
As for your dad, with adults it doesn't work that one child replaces another child but, again, you need to talk to your dad about how you feel. Write him a letter if that is easier but you really must communicate with both your parents about how you are feeling. There may be other reasons for your dad not seeing you that you aren't aware of.
Regarding your weight, it sounds like you are eating as a source of comfort. Again, talk to your mum about how worried you are about your weight and perhaps together you can formulate a healthy eating plan. I wouldn't worry too much about a big stomach at your age. Your body is still changing and I know of very few 11 year olds with flat stomachs except the really skinny ones and that isn't healthy either.
Remember, the only person who has control over her weight is you. You can be positive and do something about it or be negative and carry on as you aware. Remember that losing weight doesn't mean starving yourself but just eating healthily but please please do speak to your mum about this.