I think I'm fat...

I'm worried about my weight. I went to my doctor for a physical and she said I was at a good weight, but I still think I'm fat. I have low self-esteem. Even my dad makes comments about by tummy! My sister is skinnier than me and I don't know what to do!

Sometimes I think about puking...on purpose. I know I shouldn't because of later effects and it's bad for you etc., but I still think about it! Girls at my school are skinnier than me and I hate it. How can I stop thinking these things?

Beauty should never be based on your weight. I'm sure you're perfect and pretty just the way you are. Remember that your true gorgeousness comes from stuff ya can't physically see—like your smarts, your amazing singing voice or your ability to be a great friend. Here's how to get happy and feel confident about yourself.

Tell your dad you don’t like it when he makes comments about your tummy. He might just be joking, but still, if he's hurting you, you need to let him know. If you don't feel comfy talking to your pops yourself, approach your mom or an aunt or older sibling who can relay the message.

If your doc said that you're a healthy weight...then you are! There are always going to be girls who are skinnier than you (and I know, because I’m no stick thin gal myself). Everyone (especially girls!) comes in different shapes and size, so embrace your uniqueness. You are only going to drive yourself crazy if you constantly compare yourself to other girls, so don’t! Base your self-esteem on your accomplishments—like scoring the lead in a play, getting straight As or leading your school's food drive—not your physical appearance.

It seems like you're super-concerned about your weight, but you need to be more concerned about your health. Purging food and starving yourself can cause fatal problems in the future (not to mention the mental toll it will take on you), so it’s important to steer clear of doing anything dangerous to lose a few pounds. Make sure your diet is well-balanced and filled with protein, fruits and veggies. Exercise regularly doing something you like to do, whether that’s running, playing soccer or dancing to your iPod. When you live a healthy lifestyle, you will feel healthy and one hundred times better about yourself. For more safe, fun tips on getting healthy, head to G-Life. And if you still feel badly about your weight, please head to a guidance counselor or trusted adult to talk about it ASAP.

The most important thing you can do to get rid of your negative thoughts is to think positive. Every time you start comparing yourself, stop, breathe and tell yourself two positive things about yourself (like how you aced your history exam or how close you are to getting a personal best in your track event). Listen to your doc about your weight, and remember, skinny doesn’t equal beautiful. The prettiest girls are the happiest girls, so keep your chin up.

THINK YOU'VE GOT A BODY BLUNDER? CLICK HERE to submit your own problem to be answered on Girl Talk!

BY CAITLIN R. ON 3/14/2010 7:00:00 AM 89 COMMENTS

Mystery bump on my back!

I have this bump on my back. It's the size of a pea and feels like it is right under the skin. The skin around it is darker than the rest of my skin, but the bump doesn't hurt at all.

Any kind of pesky bump can be upsetting! But first off, take a deep breath and calm down! I did a little bit of research on these types of intruders.

This situation is definitely tricky, and it sounds like you might have a mole, beauty mark or maybe something totally nonthreatening like a skin tag. Believe it or not, most people have between 10 and 40 moles. These little guys can be pink, tan, brown or flesh-colored. Good news! Many moles can start off as pretty small and hardly noticeable. On a positive note, this could be perfectly normal! When to be worried? If the mole is irregular in shape (asymmetrical), changes shape, size or color, or gets crusty or red around it, there might be a serious prob. Since you said it's getting a li'l bigger, I would get it checked out.

So, you're not being overdramatic by being concerned. Why don't you point the bump out to your mama and see what she thinks? You don't have to make it a big to-do, either—just say "Hey, does this bump look weird to you? I've been getting worried about it lately, and I'd like to have it checked out by a doctor just to be safe." Ask her to help you find a dermatologist (a skin pro!) just to make sure everything is a-OK. If your mom can't bring you to a doc, head on down to the school nurse and ask what she thinks. When it comes to your health, always play it safe! If nothing else, it'll give ya peace of mind to see what someone else says.

THINK YOU'VE GOT A BODY BLUNDER? CLICK HERE to submit your own problem to be answered on Girl Talk!

BY CAITLIN R. ON 3/7/2010 7:00:00 AM 48 COMMENTS

I feel sick in health class...help!

 

Whenever I think or hear about something uncomfortable involving the body in any way, I feel physically sick. For example, in school we were learning about the skeletal system and my body ached all over.

When we learned about the heart and lungs, my chest hurt. Is this normal?

Sounds like you have a phobia—but don’t worry too much. Pretty much everyone has a kinda out-there issue with something. FYI: A phobia is what docs call “your fears.” Some peeps are scared of bugs, spiders, blood, heights, small spaces, swimming and even soap (eek!). Each phobia has a longer scientific name, too. So no worries, you’re not alone!

I have a phobia, too (see! I told ya you weren't the only one). I am horrified of needles; every time I see one I cringe—sometimes I even pass out. When I see pics of a needles in text books or on TV, I always turn away or put my hand over it. The worst is when I have to get shots or my blood taken by a doc—ugh!

The first step is admitting your problem, or in your case, your fear. You know what it is that grosses you out, so that’s a good place to start. Try avoiding sitches where you know body parts are mentioned, like certain TV shows, movies and books. If you see something that grosses you out, look away and ask your friends to tell you when it’s over. Or, try to think happy, calming thoughts (spring break, anyone?).

Yeah, there are certain things about the body that are a li'l gross and could give ya the heebie-jeebies. But just 'cause there are a zillion and one diseases and things that could go wrong out there, doesn't mean that they're going to happen to YOU. Just try to relax and feel at peace with your own body. If you're still not OK with things, you could also try talking to your teachers and maybe they can find alternative ways for you to learn.

If you think the problem is getting worse, talk it out with a guidance counselor or trusted adult. The last thing you want is to feel like you’re missing out on things in life because of your fears. I'm sure they'll have all sorts of ways to get past it, and just spilling about it will help you feel tons better.

THINK YOU'VE GOT A BODY BLUNDER? CLICK HERE to submit your own problem to be answered on Girl Talk! 

BY CAITLIN R. ON 2/28/2010 7:00:00 AM 41 COMMENTS

Gaining weight to get my period?

I haven't gotten my period since May. 

There are a lot of reasons why you might not be getting your period—and one of them just might be because you need to eat a few more healthy foods throughout the day so that you can grow into the beautiful, healthy you!

I understand that the thought of gaining weight might seem scary, so I'd check in with a pro first before you make a final decision. Tell your physician what's been going on and if you've noticed any out-there symptoms you've been having lately. Worst case scenario? If something weird is up with your menstruation, your physician will prescribe you meds that can help.

Now, we're sure you look stunning just the way you are, but if your doc does think you need to gain a few do it the healthy way! We're not talkin' about eating tons of bad-for-your stuff like sweets or fries. Try celery and peanut butter for something salty and crunchy, granola and yogurt for an afternoon snack or a few more servings of hearty whole wheat grains at dinner. Head over to our G-Life recipes for some greats eats (playing chef is super-fun!). Add a healthy snack a day plus an extra serving of fruits 'n' veggies at dinner to keep you fit and feeling way fab.

I remember when I first got my period (I was 13!), and guess what? After the first time, I didn’t get it again for another couple months, too. An irregular cycle is definitely normal when you first start off. Stressed because your BFF gets hers every month? You will, too! Try to relax and not stress about it.

Just like your period, we all grow at different rates, too. I remember being a tall, skinny and lanky girl in middle school. But it was so cool, too, because I made the basketball team! We are all different shapes and sizes because each one of us is different in an awesome, unique way. Your mom wants you to be healthy and happy! Keep on that track, and everything else will fall in place—your period AND your perfect weight. If you still feel like you're super-skinny and you're scared of gaining weight, please see a counselor. Everybody needs to eat the right amount every day, and a fear of putting on a few healthy pounds could be a sign of an eating disorder.

THINK YOU'VE GOT A BODY BLUNDER? CLICK HERE to submit your own problem to be answered on Girl Talk! 

BY CAITLIN R. ON 2/21/2010 7:00:00 AM 72 COMMENTS