Last updated on September 5, 2020
Question:
I’m 16, 6’1″ and 355 pounds now. I want to know if I’m done growing, mainly because I want to be a truck driver I’ve started with losing some weight. My mom is 5’6 and my dad is around 5’7. Also is it because I’m so overweight that I’m tall or just genes?
Answer:
Whether you are done growing does not depend on your height or weight. Even your age has little to do with it. Use the Tanner Stage Calculator to get an estimate on how far you have developed. A value of five or above would mean that you are done growing. Your height is due to your genes.
Losing weight will mean a lot of effort on your part, but it can be done. The principle is easy, a pound of weight equals about 3,500 calories. To lose a pound in a week, you will need to eliminate about 500 calories a day. Eliminate more, you lose more.
While trying to lose weight, it is important that you make sure you are eating a good, balanced diet. So do not cut back on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Most people eat more than enough meat and too many bread products.
The first step is simple: eliminate all junk food and sugary drinks from your diet without increasing your meals. You’ll be amazed how fast the weight starts dropping off from that one small change.
The next step is to eliminate all second helpings. Fill your plate with a reasonable amount of food that is varied and then that is all you eat for that meal. If you get hungry between meals, allow yourself a fruit, a granola bar, or a cup of yogurt.
Next, increase your activity. At your size, most exercise will be hard on your joints, so start walking. Aim to walk at least one hour every day. As you get thinner, speed up the pace of your walk so that you go further in the hour. Another way to increase your activity is to stop watching TV and do something instead. When you drive somewhere park on the far side of the parking lot so you have to walk further. Use the stairs instead of an elevator. Every little bit of movement uses up calories and contributes to your weight loss.
Response:
Thank you so much. I’m going to take the advice you have given to me. It’s really hard. I also play football for my school. I’m not a junk food eater. It’s how much I eat. If what you said works, I’ll be ever thankful. May God bless your kind soul.