I have a cousin who is 13, she is abour 5 feet tall or so and probably weighs 200+, her mom is one of those very picky types and wants to put her on a strict diet. I have stayed totally out of this because it's not my business, but I have struggled with eating disorders for years and think it better if she just buys healthy foods for the entire family and doesn't pick at her. Is there a site where my cousin can go to get support for being over weight and a site for her mom to realise that nagging will only make it worse?

Here is a site to start with.

But a doctor should be involved.. perhaps he/she can refer the family to a nutritionist. Also, simply moving and being more active is a great way to move toward fitness. Getting the whole family involved in healthy eating and fun activities would be a good way to help without "singling" out the over-weight child.

Cool sher, maybe I can point them in that direction. My older cousin the mom seems to think that I am over sensitive because of the eating thing, but I think it gives me a look into what she is going through. She also doesn't want to "punish" the whole family, but what you said is so right, why NOT feed the whole family healthy, after all that IS what you want for ALL of your loved ones. Thanks!

I would like to add that it is next to impossible to expect a child to stick to a diet if the rest of the family does not make any attempt at a healthy diet. I know from experience. I agree with Sher though. A trip to a nutritionist is in order. I hope the mother takes her and takes their advice.

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Originally posted by angela-cc:
I would like to add that it is next to impossible to expect a child to stick to a diet if the rest of the family does not make any attempt at a healthy diet.

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I'd think at least some 13 year olds would be able to hold their own diet.

I agree entirely with J!
If self-motivation is lacking, no matter how many trips to nutritionists and no matter putting the entire family, the entire school, the entire block on a restricted diet
the TV ads could be made an excuse and
all the fuss would be to no avail.

Youth is the time when our energies are max and if we have the will, not only can we dream for the best, but put in a bit of hard work and even actually achieve the best! She is just thirteen, I know it's tough having to handle a serios situation at such a tender and adolescent age.
Hmn, however, being one who suddenly put on weight as soon as I hit puberty, I know from experience that even if the whole world is eating, or not eating, once we set our minds, we can do it.

Oh, one tipper :
*don't say "okay, I'll try to keep a check on what I eat and keep it balanced" etc, until & unless I followed a written down diet, I was unable to 'keep it baanced'. THen the environmental and social pressures to eat kick in. Yes, pressrue, not merely the temptation. Even LizziMgGuire is eating pizza all the time!!!
and tipper number two:
*no can do if you don't 'diet AND EXCERSICE' by eating less, we reduce the amount to digest for our body, and our body goes into starvation mode, and by excersing we can manage to keep our metabolic rate boosted.

Although, I am in full favour to a trip to a dietitions aswell. He/She can guide and monitor.

Let's kill the fastfood chains,
Pin~Jinx / anarchist

I definitely agree self motivation and really wanting to lose the weight are the key factors, but when everyone else is sitting there eating pizza and hot fudge sundaes it's hard to expect your kid to eat boiled chicken and broccoli. I think the mom just needs to promote healthier eating all around and do some family exercising, ride bikes together, play ball, etc... I am afraid that the constant nagging is making her worse or it might turn her anorexic at some point.

I would go so far as to say that the mother and family are partially to blame if they are overeaters at this time when one of them needs support.

If my kid were overweight I would find ways to exercise with her, diet with her and just get healthy together. It's not punishment... that could be the whole attitude problem. Being healthy offers great rewards and may be difficult, but once you get on the right track it feels like coasting downhill.

I hope your cousin keeps with it... and good luck to her !

I agree with angela. There is no way you can have pop, chips, candy and junk food in the house and not expect the teen to want it. I am an adult and I try not to buy the stuff. If it isn't in the house, I won't eat it.


This looks like a pretty good site. Please forward it to her... it may help.

overweight teen

A Site can be helpful.
I need to know more. Is there a medical reason?
If not... Your cousin Need to learn self disapline on what she / he eats.
You should stay out of this it is not your problem to fix. only thieres if they want to.