Overweight Problems

[Eryk]

I'm a pretty hefty 14 year old weighing in at 185 pounds, 5'2". All the pictures I've seen browsing sites around the internet shows very thin kids. I was just wondering how the general outlook is towards overweight kids. Is it like a "EW" thing or a "Oh.." thing. Or what? Hopefully the younger people here can let me know how they'd react and such. Remember, I'm an ignorant kid who grew up around selfconscious jerks. http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif

[Eryk]

I'm a pretty hefty 14 year old weighing in at 185 pounds, 5'2". All the pictures I've seen browsing sites around the internet shows very thin kids. I was just wondering how the general outlook is towards overweight kids. Is it like a "EW" thing or a "Oh.." thing. Or what? Hopefully the younger people here can let me know how they'd react and such. Remember, I'm an ignorant kid who grew up around selfconscious jerks. http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif

[nakedjohn]

Do not worry about it, you are only 14.

[Big Guy]

Hey man...I just turned 20 and i weight 280 pounds. Given, i am about a foot and a bit taller, but i have had no problems at the local nude beach. People pay more attention to your personality and mannerisms? If i only knew how to spell...lol....

Great to see a fellow young naturist.

Stay Nude!

[Journeyman]

Hi Eryk,

I'm sure it's not too much fun being hefty, as you say, at your height. I think that maybe the general outlook by *adults* towards overweight kids is that we feel concern for your health.

I would hope and expect that naturist kids would be more accepting of your size than non-nudist kids, but I don't know this for sure as I don't have kids of my own.

You say you're an "ignorant kid", but your post shows that you're far from ignorant and your spelling and sentence structure are better than many adults here! Don't put yourself down for your size -- or your intelligence.

The fact that you are conscious of your size is the beginning to start a more healthy way of living. Maybe you could cut down on the size of the portions of food that you are eating, and try not to eat anything at nighttime except for a piece of fruit or some no-fat yogurt. And as good as sugary things taste, try to avoid all that sweet stuff like cakes and cookies, except maybe once a week.

Do you own a bicycle or have access to one? Biking is fun and will help you lose some weight. When you're a teen, your metabolism allows you to lose weight faster than when you're an adult. Have you seen the difference in Ozzie Ozbourne'e teen son these days?

I think you're a very smart kid who knows that the self-conscious jerks you describe are more interested in putting others down before they have a chance to be put down first. Bullies and teasers never amount to much when they're adults -- but you WILL.

Hang in there, it's not easy being 14, but that age doesn't last forever, either.

Good luck,
J.

[Reece852]

Hey, I'm 15,

Personally I don't care about anyone's weight... sure you notice it, but what does it actually matter? If you're a nice person, it doesn't really make a difference what size you are. Even when you're naked :P

[BroNudist]

Hi Eryk...

In terms of appearance, you dont need to be worried about being overweight or hefty. Since I was a kid Ive always been hefty...and somewhat 'larger than life' compared to the average asian kids.

Im almost 30 now & Im still battling with my weight. Eventhough Im about 6 feet weighing at about 100kg...from a medical point of view Im definitely still overweight.

Despite my size, Im very agile & mobile & still very active in various contact sports like soccer.

The thing is...dont worry about your physical appearance. Like me...Ive disciplined myself to some healthy eating & frequent exercise for quite sometime now & have managed to remove the extra burden...& its still a long way to go. But, my reason for doing so is mainly for health reasons my family has a history of diabetes & high blood.

So basically, for me, it doesnt matter how big you are as long as inside youre medically fit & healthy. http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/beam.gif

[Eryk]

Thanks for the replies, guys. They were definitely reassuring. As for the people giving me tips on losing and stuff, I know about all that. In fact, I used to be 223 a few months back. http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/applause.gif So I'm working on the weight. Also, I called myself ignorant because of the fact that I know very little about naturism and how things are looked at and such. But anyways, thanks for the replies.

[flnude]

Welcome to the boaeds, Eryk!

Don't worry about your outer appearance. It's only what occurs on the inside that matters. I'm 27 and a little bit overweight. Sure I recieved a few snickers from others, but I don't let that bother me. The bottom line is that as long as you're hving fun in life, it shouldn't matter.

[bmolloy]

there is no problem with being overweight in the naturist/nudist scene its not about how u look it is abbout who you are and that u enjoy being naked with others without worring about being juged by others

[Bryan In The Nude]

I'm 17, around 6'1"-6'2" and about 210... Before I became a naturist, I was already fine about my weight and how I looked (still didn't go swimming with my shirt off, though!)...

Often times, I see the "pretty" girls as ugly if they are really rude or mean, or even if they are too "fake"... and the reverse is even true! The fact is, personality does shine above the way you look, and I would never care whether or not someone was over weight or not, I choose my friends by how they treat me and others!

It's whats inside that matters!

As to the images you find on the internet... Guess who they are targeting? With skinney, young, attractive girls... It ain't the naturist population! (generaly speaking)

Any way... Good luck and congrats on the step down to a healthier life... http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/applause.gif

[lightmetal]

Eryk,
The ones who are really "ignorant" regarding naturism are the ones who don't know anything about it, but still insist on criticizing or condemming it. But then, the vast majority of them seem to be ignorant of alot more, as well http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/bonk.gif

[BlobbyBob]

I'm not one for peer pressure and looking a certain way, so for that I don't think someone being overweight is a problem in terms of what they look like. It is a bit irresponsible perhaps to tell someone it is ok that they are overweight because chances are it might lead to health problems, so people should worry about it because of that, not because of how it will make them look. I know nudism is about acceptance, but it isn't very nice to tell someone that it is ok that they are overweight, which might make them stop worrying about it, and becoming unhealthy as a result.

[unclothed]

If you do want to lose wait here is a tip that helped me out: cut out as much added sugar as possible. I cut out soda completly from my diet and have lost a little weight. Its sugar, saturated fat, and trans. fat that you have to look out for, also just pick up a hobby that includes exercise but make sure its fun.

[warthogtfc]

hey im 16/m/va im 5'7 and im 195 puonds . yes i am overwaight and im cool wit it i have some strech marks too but im cool with that too

[something]

I'm 5'6 and weigh 170, and I do have stretch marks. but I don't care, and neither should you. I have some other friends MUCH bigger than you, and it doesnt bother me at all.

[sportkid]

From the photos that I have seen, The kids do seem to be skinny, but the adults are completely opposite. i believe being a Nudist means that you and your body is being accepted. I do believe that being overweight is a problem, but because of how you look, but because of the health problems. High risks of type 2 diabetes, arthritis, back problems, leg problems, breathing problems, sleep disorders, shorter life span...etc... i am not tryin to scare you or anything. Have any of yall consulted your Pediatricians about your wieght. If any of yall are planning on loosing weight, do not try and starve yourself or anything cuz that can end up doing more damage to your body and what happens is that your body starts destroying your muscles before it gets to the fat. Eat smaller, healthier meals, drink more water, stop drinking soda, even sport drinks and juices can be bad, the best thing is water. For a snack, eat fruit or vegetables. If you plan on eating a salad, do not drown it with dressing. A healthy diet should consist of around 1500 calories. Try keeping a journal of all the food that you eat. display the calories consumed for that day and also the exersize that you have done.
The best and most efficent time to exersize is before breakfast in the morning. you can burn up to 3 times as much calories and it boost your metabolizm fo rthe day. Exercise with others to make it more fun. sports is a great way to lose weight and gain muscle. Aerobics is the best way of exercise, it is great for the lungs, heart, and well everywhere else.
If anyone else wants to talk just pm. me

future pediatrice, i hope http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif hehe

[papanudist]

Eryk,
When I made a trip to a local naturist resort, I first noticed all the people naked and comfortable. Second I noticed all the different sized bodies, skinny, medium, large. Everyone looked happy and did not judge me even thou I am also a little overweight. That made me look at people overall in public, dressed of course, and at least in the state I live in I would say that half of the population is overweight.
Like it was said in posts before its more of a health issue than a judgement one. The sad thing is now american car makers are now designing cars differently because the american public refuses to lose weight.

[nacktman]

Overweight Schmoverweight - unless your health is adversly affected there is no such thing as "overweight".

What many don't realize is the the "concept of overweight" is from the insurance companies and that the carts used to determine "overweight" are in fact UNDERWEIGHT. They use those charts as a means to bilk more money from people and deny repayment when called to do so.

If using the charts endorsed by insurance companies to determine you "ideal" body weight then you will be ill and your health will be adversely affected ... you will be anemic at the very least as the charts are at least 20 pounds under what they should be for each gradiant.

Eryk, do what works for you as to your weight and if others have a problem with it - it's their problem.
All you need concern yourself with is your health, and if your genetic make-up allows "extra" weight and still be healthy, so be it.

[Croydon]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by something:
I'm 5'6 and weigh 170, and I do have stretch marks. but I don't care, and neither should you. I have some other friends MUCH bigger than you, and it doesnt bother me at all. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
So in essence, you do not care too much how you look?

The above message is absolutely sad.

I am assuming your lack of interest and health is a combo of low self esteem or you are overweight to a point where you do not really care.

I never understood the mentality of those who are obese/overweight. As someone who used to be overweight, I decided to take control of my health and well being. I am noww 100% happier with myself and body. Naturism has even helped me in my quest to keep in shape

[nacktman]

Your shallowness and self loathing are showing a bit there again Croydon.

[Croydon]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by nacktman:
Your shallowness and self loathing are showing a bit there again Croydon. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
I understand my statement comess off as being shallow.

It isn't. It is frustration. I am frustrated that Americans are becoming fatter and fatter. American children are the ones at risk. This is all because people are simply becoming lazy and eating unhealthy things.

I am frustrated that the message that being overweight/obese is ok and we have to accept it. I do not agree.

I had to reread Croydon's comments. My word, for someone who claims to have been overweight in your recent past, your level of compassion and acceptance sure went out the window! Being overweight is not necessarily a bad thing or unhealthy, it all depends to what level one is overweight. When one is overweight to the point it affects daily chores, tasks, or activities then it is a problem. If it does not and the individual is healthy and active, who are you or any of us to be "sadden" or repulsed as you seem to be about someone who is overweight.

Allie

[sportkid]

When the term overweight is used that means that someone has more body fat than is healthy and a BMI of 25 and up. Next there is Obesity wich is 30% and up. A healthy weight is between 18.5% to 24.9%. Don't just look at the stats but talk with your pediatrician, and have a thurough exam. Some people have thicker bones and more muscle mass, which will increase the wieght. But if you are 14yo and at 185 and just 5'2" your BMI is at 33%, which is extremly unhealthy and makes you at a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. You should sit down with your doctor and have a good check up. See if maybe you can get a dietician to give up a weekly meal plan and try joining a gym and get a personal trainer. Here is a site you can look at that can give a better understanding that what i could probably do now. http://www.kidshealth.org/kid/stay_healthy/fit/overweight.html
The last thing you ever wanna do is get Diabetes. Trust me, i have type 1 juvenile.
If you ever wanna chat or something just pm. me
l8r

[Sanslines]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">When the term overweight is used that means that someone has more body fat than is healthy and a BMI of 25 and up....... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

BMI or body mass index is a lousy way to determine if someone is under, normal, or overweight. BMI is ONLY a ratio of height to weight and does NOT take into account such very important things such as body type or bone structure or muscle mass.

'......and try joining a gym and get a personal trainer........."

Not everyone needs to join a gym. How about going for a walk or playing tennis of climbing stairs. There are a million ways to get more physical exercise that do not involve paying gym membership dues and going to a gym.

[garbo]

It is undoubtedly best to discuss your weight issues with a qualified physician who will give you a professional opinion on what goals you should achieve. So many of the so-called charts reflect average numbers which do not take into account any special personal physical factors. Many physicians will recommend a diet and exercise program that makes sense to your lifestyle. In some cases you may be referred to a nutritionist. Taking control of your health now will undoubtedly reap significant benefits for you later in life. Making common sense food choices will increase your immune system to fight infections and provide you with the fuel to perform at your best, give you mental clarity, endurance and does wonders for your self -esteem as well. Start now and give yourself a chance for a quality lifestyle later on.

[Sanslines]

Just a thought but perhaps some individuals accept themselves being 'overweight' and do not want to be badgered about losing weight. I am sure many know of all of the weight issues but may have made the decision to enjoy their lives even if they are 'overweight'. If someone is overweight, then so what. Accept them for who they are and allow them to make their own decisions without badgering them to lose weight. Our society can be very cruel when it comes to overweight people.

[nacktman]

And a very good thought it is Sanslines.

Insecurities on the part of the "badgering" parties is the true problem here.

Being secure in who you are is never a problem.

So to all you "Shallow Hals" out there harrasing and being pests to others for being themselves, get a grip and get a life!

[BlobbyBob]

No-one is saying that we should strive to be skinny for how others perceive us, the point is that many people are obese, a number which is quickly growing. This means that regardless of how they feel about that and how they look to others it is quite probably causing damage to their health.

If you are a bit overweight but are healthy enough then that isn't a problem, but if you are very much overweight then chances are you are putting yourself at risk of diabetes, heart conditions and various other problems. This is something people should see their doctor about though and not just listen to people on a message board.

[nacktman]

Eryk, just look at this.

Personally my height and weight ratio according to the charts says I should be at 212 pounds ideally.
According to the BMI chart my actual weight to height ration says I have in excess of 35% body fat.

The reality is for a normal person of my height with normal bone density and muscle mass I should be 235 pounds.

In my case I have an extremely heavy bone density and muscle mass and weigh 295 pounds, oh, and my actual percent of body fat is less than 12%. What's more at 14 I was 195 pounds and fit as a fiddle (still am almost 46 years later). I was taller though.

As I stated before - Do what is right for you - that is the only advise I will give you ... how and what you do for it to be right for you is for you to decide.

[tinner666]

Nackman gave some good advice. I'm overweight and it affects my 'workability', so I'm working on it. That is my only concern,"health".
Don't worry about it from a 'peer pressure' aspect. You just be 'you'. http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif

[sportkid]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Sanslines:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">When the term overweight is used that means that someone has more body fat than is healthy and a BMI of 25 and up....... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

BMI or body mass index is a lousy way to determine if someone is under, normal, or overweight. BMI is ONLY a ratio of height to weight and does NOT take into account such very important things such as body type or bone structure or muscle mass.

'......and try joining a gym and get a personal trainer........."

Not everyone needs to join a gym. How about going for a walk or playing tennis of climbing stairs. There are a million ways to get more physical exercise that do not involve paying gym membership dues and going to a gym. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

"Next there is Obesity wich is 30% and up. A healthy weight is between 18.5% to 24.9%. Don't just look at the stats but talk with your pediatrician, and have a thurough exam. Some people have thicker bones and more muscle mass, which will increase the wieght"

Down here in SC( one of hte most obese state) they passed a law a couple of months ago where high school and middle schools that have vending machines, are now only allowed to sell low fat and low sugar snacks, also they are only allowed to sell diet soda, water, and sport drinks. I think it is a good step towards a healty school, even if they should elimanate vending machines all together and have a place where students can get fruit for snacks. next they just need to look at the food served in the cafeteria.
also , sanslines, if you read my first post to this thread, it says try sports and running. I was using a gym as another alternative. I think it is pretty ridiculous to pay money to be fit too, but there are some people who are not as motivated to go out and run every other day or something and need someone to motivate them. I know at the YMCA down here they have programs for kid to help them get fit and the trainers are great and nice and very supportive. I wasnt sure the personality of eryk or other people who might read this, so i didnt know if they are motivated or not. I hope i do not come off as badgering. I just feel that overweight and obesity is a problem, especially at a young age. you may say it is alright, but the older this kids get, the harder it will be to loose the weight and it will just keep coming. When you exercise, all you do is burn calories. There is no way to burn the fat cells, they just expand and contract. The only way to loose them is through lyposuction, which is unhealthy. so all the fat foods that you take in that is drenched in fat cells, will stay in your body forever. I hope the best for all. I only am in this post for the healthy and wellbeing of others, not because of the appeance.
FAST FOOD IS EVIL lol

[nacktman]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">... so all the fat foods that you take in that is drenched in fat cells, will stay in your body forever. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

sportkid, you might want to study microbiology a bit more, before you rely on that statement.
There is an error in it.

No, I do not mean the gramatical one(s), either.

[florida-david]

sportkid,

thanks for the information and positive attitude you have displayed on your posts. Not sure of your age but judging from your picture, you are young. It is good to see someone young come across so maturely. Unlike some of the other posts on this thread, the information you provided could help us all, young or old.

Nice avatar picture by the way....

[sportkid]

thanx florida-david, i saw in one of the other post that your wife is korean, which is cool cuz i am half korean and irish.
Nacktman, what is the error besides the fat foods( should be fatty foods), cuz i am actually majoring in Biology right now with a minor in pre-med(isnt a major at usc) and medical humanities. From what I have been taught, Fat cells are never burned up or anything, they stay in your body. They expand anc contract according to how much calories it is storing. A diet can only reduce the size of your fat cells, but will not destroy it. The only way to remove it is through liposuction. So every excess calories that isnt used is stored there, ready to be used later on.
I am almost 100 percent positive that all the information I have given is true. It may have gramatical errors, but math,biology, and cemistry is my strong point.

[nudnurs]

As a nurse, I understand the importance of good health and diet and exercise, but there are many problems causing obesity and I think we're at the forefront of solutions. Don't dispare. I think nudism is about comfort, freedom, and body acceptance, And true friends will accept you as you are and support you. Also I must say great job to sportkid. I am really impreseed how well you know your information and how well you express it. I hope you do well towards a goal in medicine . Best of luck to both of you. Kev in Pa.

[nudnurs]

flaorida david, Sportkid does a great job in communication. Nice to see a really bright kid as a nudist too. I wish you well sportkid, there are several doctors and nurses here to help you in your future career. Kev

[nacktman]

sportkid, the error is that the body does not retain the fats taken in forever nor does the body maintain all the adipose tissue cells it produces over the course of time.

External fat sources are stored and used as needed in cells the body produces at need. As the need changes so does the production and retention of the cells needed to perform the function of storage and redistribution of the stored energy. Excess cells do not expand and contract, they are reabsorbed by the body for use elsewhere as different types of cells. The only cells not thusly re-used by the body are the cells of the brain and millions of those are discarded as waste by the body every day after the first five years or so of life when no more brain cells will be produced by the body - luckily for we humans we have billions of the buggers, isn't it.

Difficulties in this process are varied and as you say you are studying pre-med you will learn them all in time.

The main one to be concerned with as an individual, not as a doctor, is the "programing" of the Pituitary Gland. As the major player that can be altered by non-medical efforts it is vital to "re-program" the gland by Slowly - Extremely Slowly reducing the weight of the body due to the gland's primary directive in dealing with the body's mass and weight is to maintain a certain size and it will actually force the body to add on extra weight against starvation when one attempts to "Diet" to loose weight.

There is an old adage the is quite factual about dieting "you lose 20 pounds in a month, you gain 25 pounds the next month" - that is the Pituitary Gland doing its job to maintain the body mass it has been programmed to do over the years by insuring the body does not suffer starvation (this is an evolutionary trait that developed in humans so we could survive when food gets scarce - did you ever wonder why you always weigh more in autumn than you do at any other time of the year - winter is the leanest time for food and the body is hedging its bets as it were).

The re-programing is quite simple as well - reduce caloric intake slowly (it takes 10 calories per day per pound to maintain the body's current wieght, whatever that may be) and increase the use of stored energy to make up the shortfall, as the body recognizes the need has changed and that it will function with a lesser mass you will lose weight pernamently.

However the execution of the re-programing is anything but simple. The body will fight you "tooth and nail" the whole way, especially if you attempt to lose weight rapidly as in going on a "Diet". It will shut down into starvation mode and when the large amount of decrease in weight drops off and you begin to "cheat" on the "Diet" (ever notice the word DIET begins with DIE), an voila, you not only return to the mass you started with, you have increased it in case the body goes into starvation mode again thus re-programing the Pituitary Gland for the increased mass not the lesser mass desired.

[Dakotawalker]

I am a diabetic naturist. When I was diagnosed with diabetes way back in 1999 I weighed 145 lb.s Just a year before then I weighed 175 lb.s The addition of insulin caused me to gain weight, up to 160 lb.s. Then I took up walking (nude when possible, otherwise clothed) daily (even in our North Dakota winters) for exercise ( half an hour of vigorous walking) and I really watched what I ate and how much I ate. Since then, my weight went down to 150 lb.s and it has stayed at that level since then, and my dosage of insulin also went down. Now, I'm at 10 units before breakfast and 8 units before supper. My dosage when I was diagnosed was 35 units before breakfast and 30 units before supper. One can manage diabetes if one wants to. One can also manage body weight if one wants to. I want to and choose to manage my health.

[martini11]

Nudism is all about body acceptance. No one will care about your weight r judge you for it, or at least thats what I've heard and I don't judge people. One thing about nudism, however, is that even though it is accepting of all body types, it makes you more aware of your body. I would suggest working out ans maintaining your workouts. It takes a lot of discipline at first, but the results are rewarding.If you are self counscious about it, you should try to lose weight, but if you don't care, be aware of the health implications.