Expert: Dr. Bruce Forciea - 8/10/2009

Question
Hi. i am a figure skater who is a little overweight!! I need some help on some exercises i could do to help me lose the weight and become like the rest of my skating friends!!

Your help is really appreciated,
Mikalah

Answer
HI Mikala:

Weightloss can be a complicated issue. It depends on a number of factors including age, food intake, caloric output and even genetics.

I think it would be important for you to work with someone with expertiece in this area such as a nutritionist, trainer or healthcare professional.

When I have done weightloss counseling we begin with a 5-day food diary and a detailed list of activities to help estimate the caloric needs of the body.

Here is a tool I give to my students about caloric needs and diet. It is very scientific and detailed.

http://www.thedietdiary.com/diet/nutrition/RestingEnergy.html

Basically you enter some essential information such as your height, weight, etc and it calculates how much energy you need to maintain your weight in calories. You then enter how many pounds you wish to lose per week (1-2 recommended). It will give you the target number of daily calories you need to lose the weight. It also tells you how many servings of carbs, fats and proteins you need in a balanced diet.

Good luck with your weightloss,

Bruce