ASK GINGER - My family is losing weight but I haven't lost anything yet...

Hi Ginger, I am a 13 year old type 1 diabetic. I am 5 ft 5 and weigh 160 lbs. My family has been doing the low carb diet and loosing lots of weight and I have lost nothing. I have been trying to excercise but I am not sure how long I should excercise every day. I would appreciate any advice you have to give.

                                                                             Thanks.

                                                                                 Anonymous


Hey, there are a few things that could be going on and all of which you need to talk to your doctor about, too.

The simpliest thing is to make sure you’re not eating TOO LITTLE! Because that can slow your metabolism down. You’re aiming for small meals every 3 to 4 hours, 5 to 6 times a day, of at least 250-350 calories at each meal. That would equal around 1,800 calories and as a 13 year-old going through adolescence you wouldn’t want to consume less than that.

Does your low-carb plan include lots of green veggies and lots of water, too?

Which brings up another point, you’re 13! You’re very likely still carrying some “baby fat” and you don’t want to force your body to lose that unnaturally. Over the next few years, if you’re active and eating well, you’ll lose that.

As for exercise, an hour a day, five days a week would be great! If that is too much, start with a half hour and work your way up to an hour. I’d suggest mixing both strength training and cardio, or join a team and play basketball with your friends – anything to get your heart rate up and your blood pumping. But remember to keep an eye on your blood sugar since exercise will increase your insulin sensitivity (this is a good thing!), and you'll be more likely to go low if you don't prepare.

Also, losing weight takes TIME. You’re not going to notice a huge amount of weight loss in just two weeks.

Lastly, ask your doctor to do a blood panel and look at your thyroid levels specifically. He/she will be looking to see if you have an under-active thyroid, which can affect your metabolism and how well your body utilizes and stores body fat. This is more common in people with diabetes because your thyroid is part of the endocrine system!

Ginger