I am so sorry for the pain you are both experiencing. When I was nine years old my mother placed me on my first diet. By fourteen I was 40 pounds overweight, but more significant was the depression and loss of self esteem. By 30 I weighed 330 pounds. Since 2001 have lost 180 pounds.
My daughter has the same body type I did, which puts her weight on the higher end of the healthy range. I knew I had a responsibility to encourage her to maintain a healthy weight, without creating a negative body image, or damaging her delicate self esteem.
Like you I reached out for answers. I started with a basic course in nutrition. I gathered information from Doctors, Psycholgists and Dieticians I worked with. I came up with a plan to alter our approach to food and activity and made subtle changes in foods I kept in the house. The result has been positive for my daughter thus far. In reality these changes (in addition to therapy) saved my life.
If it is acceptable to you, I would like to organize the information and resources I have and there are certain Do's and Don'ts I can share based on my experiences. I will need to research information and resources available to address her emotional health. Also, with your permission I would like to share your question with my daughter, and share her insight with you.
I need a little more info to best complete your answer:
Did she became depressed and gained weight as a result; or whether her weight gain has trigger the depression and anxiety.
What is her current height and weight?
Has she had a medical exam, thyroid check etc?
Is she involved in any physical activity on a regular basis?
Does anyone else in the family struggle with a weight problem?
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I hope my information is helpful. If you have more questions, just ask! I will gladly help, otherwise please click "accept".
Positive feedback and any bonus would be appreciated. Thank you, Christy
