Weight Watchers and teens

[tripletots]

Can someone tell me about me about this program, how it works and how much it is?

I could stand to lose 15 lbs, but I'm more interested in taking my daughter with me (not sure how I'll invite her since I don't want to say you're gaining weight). My DH is 17 and has gone from a size 5/7 to a size 11 since the beginning of the school year. I do have a doctors appt for her this Friday. I am worried that something is wrong, but I'm not even sure how to mention it to the dr. in front of her without making her cry. This is a sensitive subject. She has been running about 3 miles every other day, but now her shins hurt so she's taking a break this week.

Anyway I would appreciate some insight on WW. And do teens even attend?

 

[Acklander]

Can someone tell me about me about this program, how it works and how much it is?

I could stand to lose 15 lbs, but I'm more interested in taking my daughter with me (not sure how I'll invite her since I don't want to say you're gaining weight). My DH is 17 and has gone from a size 5/7 to a size 11 since the beginning of the school year. I do have a doctors appt for her this Friday. I am worried that something is wrong, but I'm not even sure how to mention it to the dr. in front of her without making her cry. This is a sensitive subject. She has been running about 3 miles every other day, but now her shins hurt so she's taking a break this week.

Anyway I would appreciate some insight on WW. And do teens even attend?

That's a tough one, because you don't want them focusing on the "weight" issue. Maybe you could tell her you're thinking about joining for you but are nervous about going alone where you don't know anyone? That might open up the conversation and she might be willing to go along as a buddy for you

 

[gracie1]

I have been on weight watchers for 2 years now (I only went to meetings the first 6 months...then did the rest on my own) I have hit my weight goal, losing 102lbs
I would tell her that your planning on joining, and you feel like you need a buddy. Trust me, it is so much easier when you have a buddy system! That way she won't feel like your telling her she is gaining.

 

[pintamino]

I'm sure it's no surprise to your daughter that she's gaining weight! At 17 I think she is old enough to focus on the "weight issue". In general Weight Watchers teaches a healthy way of eating. Most teens I know who did/do it did it after their moms did (I actually started after a friend of mine and her mom did), including a tiny friend of mine because she wanted to learn to eat right -- she was only eating coffee and fruit, etc. I wouldn't say the meetings are split even 50/50 between adults and teens, but it's not unusual to see a teen there.

But please, please, please ask the doctors to test her for PCOS and Insulin Resistance. Something very similar happened to me in high school, from the summer before my senior year to the spring of my senior year, I gained about 60 pounds. Took my doctor a bit of time to figure out what was going on. I'm still working on trying to lose the weight which is even harder because of the IR and PCOS. But it's a relief to at least know.

Good luck to you and your daughter!

 

[fakereadhed]

I am a WW Lifetime member and I have to say that caution is in order here. First of all, she hasn't come to you yet. Even if it wouldn't hurt her self esteem, you can't make someone else ready to lose weight. They have to come to that conclusion themselves. Secondly, once you do WW or any other program it does change how you view food forever! Ignorance is bliss. Once you start counting calories it's difficult to really enjoy a guilt free teat ever again. Third, she's not morbidly obese so you could wait and see what happens before you react.

My advice is to lead by example. Sounds like you are ready to join WW. They will help you get more fresh fruits, vegetables in your diet. You could make healthier meals and snacks for her. Ask her to help support you by going on walks together. But please, please don't discuss weight loss or calories with her or give details of your weight loss unless she asks.

Girls have enough pressure from the outside world and comments from parents at that age are almost always taken as criticism. I know, I've got two teen girls! If I say I like your shirt, they say "what was wrong with the one I wore yesterday?".

 

[ceecee]

I would start with the Dr appt too. They should see that she has gained in the last year. Then start eating healthier and exercising more as a family, make a life style change. If your school lunches are anything like ours it's a wonder all the teens are not obese (Pasta, pizza and snack lines with Little Debbie's)! DD tried the WW plan with her girlfriend last summer (her mom works for WW) but they didn't go to meetings. The counting the points were too rough but the healthy choice and not over eating helped the most. She wanted to lose 10 lbs and she did mostly by cutting out school lunches!

 

[cepmom]

Cost depends on where youlive, but around here it's $13/week or $40 for the monthly pass which also gives you access to eTools on the website. I work at WW; we do see teens in the meeting room so she would not be the only one for sure. I'm sure she is well aware of her weight gain and it seems that she is trying to do something about/is not happy about it it by running 3 miles e/o day. Why not gently talk to her about trying to learn about healthy eating together? I mean you don't have to say you're gaining weight or make her feel badly about it (I'm sure you wouldn't!) I like the idea of asking her to be your buddy in this....I see a lot of Mother/Daughter duos in the meeting rooms. Oh yeah...definitely Dr's first to make sure there's nothing else going on.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

In our area WW will not allow a child under the age of 18 to join legally unless a doctors note is provided along with guidelines from the doctor. I would recommend a doctors visit, a few tests, and then to guide your daughter with a healthy diet and choices in your household. No reason the whole house can not get involved, actually it is recommended. At 17 while your daughters feelings may be hurt at first, she is well aware of her weight.

Good Luck.

 

[badblackpug]

Has your daughter expressed concern about her weight? If not, leave it alone. Telling her she needs to lose weight is not have a good result.

 

[SandrA9810]

Well since you're mom, and probably in charge of cooking dinner and all, you should get her involved. Tell her you plan on doing it, and by doing so, you'll be changing the way every one eats, because it'll be the way you're cooking. So if she'd like to have some input on the food provided in the house, she should join you at the meetings. That way, it doesn't feel like you're going behind her back to shove healthy foods down her.

Once you're at the doctors, and the weight issues come up, tell him you'd like to join WW and ask if there's any benefits to teens going as well. And what help it might provide to your daughter. That way, she can hear all that technical mumbo jumbo from an outside source.

 

[lakoda]

I think honesty is the best policy. It would be difficult in the dr's office to discuss it indirectly. Someone else mentioned being tested for PCOS - and I highly second that suggestion. I started gaining weight about that time in high school despite playing tennis and running track. It took well over a decade to be finally diagnosed. My other thought was maybe a thyroid problem.

Good luck either way, I hope everything works out well.

 

[disykat]

My first time on weight watchers was when I was 10. I didn't go to meetings, but my dad and I followed the plan. I think I lost about 10 lbs. I did it again (with dad again) at 13 and lost about 15 lbs. Between 22 and 30 I fought with those 15 pounds and then it escalated after having my kids. I'm ww lifetime and currently losing again after a gain.

I agree with others not to make too big of a deal. My dad talked to me, but it was matter of fact, private, and solution driven so I lived through it.

I was on a college tour with my son recently and there was a lady who was so obnoxious with her questions on the tour that I really felt bad for her poor daughter. (who, btw, was NOT overweight!) She asked about low calorie foods in the cafeteria, she asked about personal trainers for weight loss and nutrition information when we were in the gym, then she asked questions again at the end of the tour - focusing on weight loss for college students. I wanted to smack her.

 

[MSSANDRA]

WW is just a very healty style of eating, unlike many other diets. She would not have to "join" for her to benifit. If you do the grocery shopping and meal planning and just work all the WW tips and meals into your plannning, the whole family can bennifit.

I agree the dr visit is important, but relalize that at this age she may need some privacy with the doctor to discuss whatever. Perhaps you could note when making the appointment that you would like healthy habits discussed???????

 

[wtrmlnlabs]

I agree with so many others here, especially about the Dr... that sure needs checked on... but wanted to add my "story" to help. My sister (out of state) joined WW and when she was in she was talking just a little about it. I saw what she was doing, she talked mostly about the healthy eating part of it although she has lost 45lbs with it and looks fabulous! This was all it took for me to start doing it myself. In about 3 days of watching her and casual conversations about it off and on I got sucked right in! It's such an easy program (I think) and fun... so if you decide not to ask her to go, or you are on the edge about it, maybe this will relax you a bit that she'll probably pick up on it just by watching you. BTW her daughter did just that, 18 and on her own but started following WW eating just by observing her mom. AND just my changes in cooking and shopping for groceries has caused DH to lose about 15 lbs without even trying. NOTHING changed for him, just the difference in my cooking and the fact I don't have any snacks around for him to munch on.

Best of luck