INSECURE AND WORRIED OVER WHAT I WEIGH

Dear Coleen

I’m a 12-year-old girl and I feel very insecure, even though I’ve read in books and on websites that emotional changes during puberty are tricky for all young people.

I’m 5ft 4in and pretty overweight for my height – most of the fat is on my stomach – and I feel horrible. I’ve tried multiple diets, but there’s been no change. I don’t want to starve myself because I really enjoy food.

However, I also have a horrendous sugar addiction and I need advice on how to control it.

Can you help?

Coleen says

First of all, please don’t follow any fad diets – they’re unhealthy and don’t work. At 12, you’re growing and developing, and your body will go through lots of changes yet. Confide in your mum and see your GP who can weigh you, give advice and even refer to you a dietician. But don’t try to go it alone.

I’m glad you don’t want to starve yourself, and I think you just need to find out more about what’s healthy and delicious, and what you should have occasionally. Ask your mum to help you do research – look up recipes and healthy food swaps online and do some cooking together.

Being active is great for mind and body – you could swim or go for bike rides with your family or try trampolining.

But share your concerns with your mum, if she knows how you feel, she’ll help.

Puberty is tricky, but you sound sensible, so get support from your family.

I bet all your friends have similar worries, even if they don’t talk about them.