Q&A for: 6-Nov-05
969. Q:
I understand that there is no one exercise that will lose my man boobs, and I have to lose fat overall. How long would it take to lose man boobs overtime?- AKA How long would it take for my man boobs to even out after I lose weight? I am 14, 5'9, 200 lbs. I want to reach 150.
A:
The losing fat overall approach is correct, but at your age you have a huge advantage of still growing on your side! All you need to do is start eating healthy and be active (sports, running, weight lifting, whatever -- it doesn't really matter that much) and your own growth will take care of the extra fat and man boobs, etc. While you are overweight at 5'9 200 lbs, if you grow to be 6'3 (entirely possible), then the same 200 pounds will be a perfectly healthy weight! On the other hand, if you tried to actively lose weight now, you might prevent yourself from growing as much as you could and will no longer have growth as your ally in losing fat. So please don't follow through on your idea of losing 50 pounds. Make your continued development and growth your ally instead of working against it.
So my advice is to not try to lose weight now, certainly not a lot or fast! Instead, start eating healthy, lots of veggies, whole fruits, whole grains, lean meats, poultry, fish, some dairy, nuts, olive oil. Stay away from junk food, fast food, and sweets. At the same time start to be active, maybe join some school sports team or just play in some pickup games with friends. Try to walk, jog, run, or maybe bike to places that are close enough instead of getting rides there. Start weight training, but do not use heavy weights or push yourself too much until you're 16 at least -- a weightlifting injury can potentially stunt your growth!
I can't tell you for sure how tall you'll grow eventually, but it's pretty average to add about 2.5 inches of height per year between ages of 14 and 16. Assuming you're average in this respect you'll be 6'2 in two years and with being physically active and possibly losing a few pounds in that time you should have a very healthy physique and no man boobs. And all that without significant weight loss!
If on the other hand you decided to go ahead and try to lose 50 pounds like you wrote, it would in the very best case still take a year (that's assuming you want it to be quality fat loss and not just temporary weight loss which comes back with extra fat) AND severely jeopardize your healthy growth. So it's a no-brainer: eat healthy, be active, don't try to actively lose weight, and let your normal growth and development take care of the extra fat and man boobs!
970. Q:
how do you get abs?
A:
By losing the fat that's covering them now! Please read how to lose fat.
974. Q:
I'm the person from 969. So your basically saying that if I just cut down on eating junk foods and eat healthier and exercise more everything will eventually even out?( my man boobs) If that's true, I WILL do it without doubt. I will be very happy if its true : )
A:
Yup, that's what I am saying! At your age just staying away from junk and eating healthy stuff instead will go a long way towards losing those man boobs. Being physically active is, of course, the other important thing.
Besides avoiding the obvious junk food, here're some other suggestions... Start eating plain old-fashioned oatmeal instead of various breakfast cereals. Don't get those sugary oatmeal packets, but to add taste throw some strawberries, slice an apple or a banana, or sprinkle cinnamon into oatmeal. Skip commercial salad dressings and substitute olive oil instead. Eat whole-wheat bread and pasta instead of white. Eat brown rice instead of white rice. Eat sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes. Eat whole fruits instead of fruit juices. Drink lots of water and/or unsweetened tea instead of various sodas and beverages (even diet ones). Eat steamed, grilled, and boiled instead of fried. And again, remember to stay physically active as much as possible, in whichever way you can. It won't happen quickly, but in a few months you'll definitely start seeing changes and in couple of years you should reach your goal of good physique and no manboobs. Good luck!
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