Question

Jordan is a 14 year old middle school student, weighing 275 pounds and is 5’6” tall. Over the past 2 years, he has gained 60 pounds, as he has begun to withdraw from social activities, and avoid other students, due to bullying from others his age about his weight/appearance. Lately, Jordan has been missing a great deal of school too, particularly on the days he has gym. Jordan’s parents are both average in height and weight, and Jordan’s mother says that he just takes after his grandfather William, who “was a husky man, and died of a sudden heart attack at the age of 44”. She says “We just have fat genes in the family; you can’t do anything about that”! He has been told he had “no willpower, or is weak, or that he needed to change his lifestyle, eat less and exercise more.” Jordan says “I go for a couple days without eating, but then I get so hungry that I could eat the couch”! You are the school nurse doing height and weight assessments on the middle school group this year. How would you assess and advise Jordan?

Answer 1

Going without eating isn't a solution. For one, that just makes you more hungry and more likely to eat junk food. Secondly, if your body doesn't receive new nutrients, it will start to save the energy it already has. This makes you less likely to lose weight.

Instead of not eating altogether, eat healthy snacks that are high in protein and low in carbohydrates and fat. Vegetables, nuts, and fruits are all great snacks. Come to school more often on gym days, to help you get more exercise, and spend about an hour outside doing physical activities every day. Go for a walk around your neighborhood.

Ignore the bullies, they just feel bad about themselves and take it out on you.