Dr Girl/Dr Dejour Q&A
Dear Doctor Dejour,
I am concerned about my weight. The thing is I walk twice a day for about fifteen minutes and I do other small things to try and get my weight down but it won't work. I am twelve years old, I have my menstrual period, and I'm sort of tall for my age as well. At school people call me names and I have told them I don't like it and I have also approached teachers but no one seems to care.
My grandfather is also like me, he walks for around three hours every day, eats healthy with no fat or cholesterol in his diet but he weighs even more than I do. My Nanna told me I was big boned because I have very big wrists but there is too much fat on me for me to believe her. I'm sorry to waste your time but I don't really have anyone to talk to. Also before I stop typing, I have been very shaky and tired lately and I know for certain it is not my period. Please help me.
Signed Heavy Hassle
Dear Madame Hassled,
Thank you for your email. You are so young to be worrying alone like this! It's not fair at all that you should worry about your weight now. They do say "Life's a Bitch" and all that, but not to twelve year olds surely!
There are several different things to talk about. Firstly, the fact that you feel tired and shaky and describe a 'slow metabolism', prompts me to suggest that you see a doctor to have your THYROID FUNCTION checked. Your thyroid gland sets the pace and is very important. It could explain the whole scenario although commonly your periods would be mucked up if the thyroid were to blame. Please do get this checked.
That you are tall for your age and have started having periods means that you are developing on the early side of average. By the time you have your first period, you have usually had your growth spurt and your final height will be reached in the next few years. Enjoy your height because the others will catch up soon enough!
It is disappointing that the teachers at your school don't have time for you. I guess teachers these days have a hard time and are overworked (no use to you though). Anyone who's anyone got teased at school, and although it's awful at the time, it will pass. It may leave you with a compassion for other people and a determination to succeed and these things are good lessons.
You did not mention what your weight actually was? I'm not sure if the problem is that of a young woman worrying too much about not looking like the models in magazines? (They are 'touched up' you know, no one really looks like that and certainly most of us don't even vaguely resemble the pictures). Or a young woman entering puberty? The combination of a bit of puppy fat with the effect of estrogen on your body (breasts, thighs, stimulates your appetite until you get used to it), and a self-conscious stage of life, can create the heavy hassles you describe. Your body is going through many changes at the moment and it can be scary, but things will fall into place.
My thoughts are that you try not to worry about it (famous last words I know!). Your grandparents sound wonderful. If you can find things that you enjoy doing and that make you happy, you body will zip along at a faster rate than if you are worried and 'trapped'. It really DOES NOT matter at your age.
Enjoy life at every opportunity and the rest will follow.
Dr Dejour
I am concerned about my weight. The thing is I walk twice a day for about fifteen minutes and I do other small things to try and get my weight down but it won't work. I am twelve years old, I have my menstrual period, and I'm sort of tall for my age as well. At school people call me names and I have told them I don't like it and I have also approached teachers but no one seems to care.
My grandfather is also like me, he walks for around three hours every day, eats healthy with no fat or cholesterol in his diet but he weighs even more than I do. My Nanna told me I was big boned because I have very big wrists but there is too much fat on me for me to believe her. I'm sorry to waste your time but I don't really have anyone to talk to. Also before I stop typing, I have been very shaky and tired lately and I know for certain it is not my period. Please help me.
Signed Heavy Hassle
Dear Madame Hassled,
Thank you for your email. You are so young to be worrying alone like this! It's not fair at all that you should worry about your weight now. They do say "Life's a Bitch" and all that, but not to twelve year olds surely!
There are several different things to talk about. Firstly, the fact that you feel tired and shaky and describe a 'slow metabolism', prompts me to suggest that you see a doctor to have your THYROID FUNCTION checked. Your thyroid gland sets the pace and is very important. It could explain the whole scenario although commonly your periods would be mucked up if the thyroid were to blame. Please do get this checked.
That you are tall for your age and have started having periods means that you are developing on the early side of average. By the time you have your first period, you have usually had your growth spurt and your final height will be reached in the next few years. Enjoy your height because the others will catch up soon enough!
It is disappointing that the teachers at your school don't have time for you. I guess teachers these days have a hard time and are overworked (no use to you though). Anyone who's anyone got teased at school, and although it's awful at the time, it will pass. It may leave you with a compassion for other people and a determination to succeed and these things are good lessons.
You did not mention what your weight actually was? I'm not sure if the problem is that of a young woman worrying too much about not looking like the models in magazines? (They are 'touched up' you know, no one really looks like that and certainly most of us don't even vaguely resemble the pictures). Or a young woman entering puberty? The combination of a bit of puppy fat with the effect of estrogen on your body (breasts, thighs, stimulates your appetite until you get used to it), and a self-conscious stage of life, can create the heavy hassles you describe. Your body is going through many changes at the moment and it can be scary, but things will fall into place.
My thoughts are that you try not to worry about it (famous last words I know!). Your grandparents sound wonderful. If you can find things that you enjoy doing and that make you happy, you body will zip along at a faster rate than if you are worried and 'trapped'. It really DOES NOT matter at your age.
Enjoy life at every opportunity and the rest will follow.
Dr Dejour
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