Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 3/30/2008

Question
I'm almost 15 years old am about 5'3 and weigh over 170. I take 3 dance
classes a week that are all an hour long. All the other girls in class are super
tinny and i'm not. I really want to start up pointe again but i can't dance with
all the weight to carry. I have tried everything possible to loose weight but i
just can't. My dream is to be a part of the dance competition team but at this
rate it will never happen. What should i do?

Answer
Hi Marie. I recommend you see a medical doctor. Be really honest with your doctor. If you are over-eating, you must discuss that. There are reasons people over-eat that can be sorted out and lead to a solution.

If you are not over-eating, you may have an imbalance in your system that can be corrected. You may not be digesting your food correctly. You may not be metabolizing correctly.

Marie, you really need the information about this. You are young, and you can change your future by finding out what is happening with you biologically.

Talk to your mother about this Marie and tell her you need help. I'm sure she will take you to a doctor. Your health is important, and not just for ballet and pointe work.

It is wonderful that you love to dance. I hope that you continue to try everything possible to lose weight. Please believe that there is more to try, and that you will discover something that works as long as you do not give up.

I have several articles at http://www.theballetstore.com on weight and nutrition for dancers. They may be helpful to you. However, I still recommend that you see a doctor and investigate possible imbalances that you should know about.

All the best, Dianne