From Ben, Age 16 - 01/03/04 - IP#: 82.0.78.xxx  Click here to reply  
Ht. 5'6", Today: 165 lb (BMI %tile: 93) - As is the New Years resolution for most people here, I want to lose some weight so I went on the net to create a weight loss programme. For the record, I'm 16, 5'6 & 165lbs with a BMI of 27(ish).It seems that weight loss will occur faster & healthier by speeding up your metabolism. As a hint, not eating makes your body slow your metabolism to eek out the few calories from your intake, so you either plateau or start gaining weight. Ways to speed up the metabolic rate include pills, or the natural method. This method entails lots of anaerobic exercise; essentially weight training. Paired with Cardiovascular exercise (jogging, dancing, stairs etc), they will burn calories, increase circulation, improve heart health and increase endurance & go on to raise your metabolism for sustained periods after exercise.Next, I had a look at eating & nutrition. Most people in your situation have been trying to lose weight using a low-fat diet. Unfortunately, that's probably exactly what you should not be eating. Low-fat diets are typically high-carb diets, and high-carb diets virtually guarantee that your body will constantly produce high levels of insulin, also known as 'the storage hormone'. The body does not burn fat in the presence of high levels of insulin. The solution? A moderate-calorie diet that is higher in protein and good fats (such as olive oil) and lower in carbohydrates than your average low-fat diet. Food high in fibre are also essential.Drinking lots of water is always a good idea, I'm looking at having an intake of 3litres of water per-day. Water is the fuel that drives metabolism's chemical reactions. So, if you're not drinking enough, you won't burn as many calories as you can. Simple. Not drinking water emanates "fake hunger", weight loss will slow down, digestion will suffer & you won't get the full benefits from your work out.Finally, as well as your normal exercise routine (weights, swimming, whatever); it may be a good idea to add on little exercise plans of your own. A workout when you get up & go to bed maybe. This could include stairs, skipping with a rope as well as toning exercises like crunches, push ups.Anyway, good luck with your goals, and I hope that you find my views/plans on this interesting & beneficial. ;)