BARBARA, arts, educational & cultural consultant: Hey, 16! You are in good company because most folks look like you. Yet, many young women and young men, for that matter, feel like you do. But did you know the media, magazines, TV and movies use images of girls and guys who are really too thin? And did you know those really thin people are even thinner in real life because the camera makes you look 10 to 15 pounds heavier? Many models starve themselves and develop eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia. So, don't be so hard on yourself. Pick your head up, look in the mirror, tell yourself how wonderful you are and get a game plan together.

Recently, I was with a friend who said she was overweight most of her life and tried to eat less. Then, she learned she had to eat more to lose weight. She got involved in nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. That's what will work for you. Nutrition is about learning what foods do and which ones are good choices for you. Knowing about nutrition, healthy eating and exercise puts you in the control seat. Congratulations! You can select the things you want to eat and record them.

The fact that you wrote us means you care about yourself and want to take control of things in your life. I think you are ready for a change too. Making choices, changing and taking control are all part of being a teenager, and this can be an exciting time in your life.

Get the go ahead from your doctor about beginning a weight management and exercise program. Then, find a program that works for you, and try to get a friend or two to join the program with you. I personally think Weight Watchers is the best program for many people, and they have special classes just for teens. You'll learn all about nutrition, eating, exercise and lots more.

Let us know how you are doing, what's working and what's not, and we will be here to cheer you on. Posted March 19, 2003 01:04 AM