Dear DOLLY, I recently did a BMI test and it said I'm obese or over weight. I'm only 12 and I weigh 75kg and 159cm tall. The other night I cried my self to sleep. I'm too scared to tell my mum and know I should but it's too hard. Please help me! Anonymous
Life is unfair to be making you feel like this at such a young age! About one quarter of children and young people in Australia are overweight or obese, so you are not alone.
There are long term health problems associated with being overweight or obese which are good reasons for wanting to do something about it. A more important reason for you right now might be because of the way it makes you feel.
Unfortunately we are a society that often makes young people want to be ridiculously thin (which can be just as unhealthy as being overweight). People can be overweight for all sorts of reasons - including genetics, family and lifestyle habits, and sometimes because of a medical condition.
The good thing is that at the age of 12 you still have lots of growing to do - in height and shape. It's a good time to develop some seriously good life-long lifestyle habits, such as daily exercise (half an hour's walking is enough), eating lots of fresh fruit and vegetables as well as enough carbohydrate, protein, iron and calcium to help you get through puberty.
If you have a TV in your bedroom, get rid of it and make sure you only watch about 30 minutes of TV a day. Getting your mum and your whole family on board is very important - think how proud your mum will be when you tell her that you would like to do something about your weight and health.
A good place to start would be your GP, for a complete health check up; she might refer you and your mum to a dietitian to get some advice on how to gradually change the family's diet if this is appropriate.
Asking mum or the whole family to start going for walks each day will help. If you live in one of the capital cities there might also be an adolescent weight clinic you can visit - ask your GP. And be proud of yourself for asking for help and wanting to take care of your health.
