I’M NOT HAPPY WITH THE WAY MY BODY LOOKS

Dear Coleen

I’M a teenage girl and overweight for my age. My doctor says that I am losing weight but it feels like I’m not.

I don’t feel good in my body, I don’t like how I look and I’ve been trying that thing when you eat when you’re hungry and don’t eat when you’re not but it doesn’t feel as if it’s making much difference.

How can I feel more comfortable in my body?

Coleen says

I THINK it’s great you’re getting advice and guidance from your doctor and, if he or she is happy with how things are going, then you have to trust that.

Losing weight healthily is slow because it needs to be – it’s about adapting your lifestyle and your habits so you can maintain a healthy weight in the long term.

Anything that offers a quick fix is not good for your body or your mind, and it doesn’t work in the long term because as soon as you stop whatever diet you’re following, the weight immediately goes back on because you haven’t changed your lifestyle or habits.

Also, you’re still young and your body is going to change a lot in the next few years as you develop and get taller, so bear that in mind, too.

I empathise with the pressure young people are under these days from social media but you have to constantly remind yourself that all those photos are altered and filtered – they’re an airbrushed version of reality.

I think you need to focus on building your self-esteem and reminding yourself of all your wonderful qualities.

If you can get into healthy habits at your age, with the help of your doctor, they’ll set you up for the rest of your life.

I wish I’d had that support when I was your age.