can anyone answer this?

[meggy24653]

i recently asked my skin doctor if they could refer me to the childrens dietitian (as im only 16) and a letter came through saying i dont meet the criteria which i find hard to believe as i am 14 st and have a family history of morbid obesity and my BMI is unhealthy. can someone tell me what the criteria is please?

[notsobigmama]

Meggy, I find this shocking. Go to your GP and ask for a referal to a dietician. As you are 16, you may well be classed as an adult.

However, child or adult, you are asking for help and you should receive it! Meanwhile, have a look around this site and at the 12 week plan. I'm no expert on the nutrition side of things, but would advise that you make sure you are getting enough dairy products. Get your parents on board too as I am sure most of your meals will be prepared for you.

My (recently turned 20 year old) daughter jumped on the weight loss bus with me and finds that me preparing healthy meals has been a great help to her.

I don't know where you are based, but in Glasgow I have heard of hospitals running weight loss clinics (similar to a "diet club"). Nutritional advice and weekly weigh ins are part of this. Perhaps your GP could refer you to something like this?

You seem to be very determined to improve your health, so don't give up because of the obstacle you have met. Do it in spite of this!

Very best of luck and keep in touch with us all.

[meggy24653 in reply to notsobigmama]

thank you so much for the support and positive comments <3

[mollytara]

There is no criteria as such you can be referred for several things not just being over weight.I would get in touch with the school nursing team rather than your GP they will put you in touch with all the agencies available in your area from health trainers to connect 3 programmes. These are all run by NHS but there will be different services in different areas. School nursing teams work with children and young people from 5 years to 19 years. If you are still in education you can request your school contact them. If not get their number from your GPs . Hope this helps x

[meggy24653 in reply to mollytara]

thank you so much for the support <3

[Hidden]

Hi Meggy24653,

sounds advice from everybody above - I would say from dealings I had with NHS when my son suffered serious health issues that as a 16 year old you would need to be referred to adult dietician. however that doesn't excuse the lack of support etc in the letter.

This weight loss community is very supportive and If you get help via school nurses and other services that NHS can offer don't foget to post here as everybody is going through the same problems with their weight. Some weeks we have brilliant weeks and other times we get snowed under with days that just don't go our way. Every time somebody here will offer both support and positive comments.

[meggy24653 in reply to Hidden]

thank you very much this is what i've been needing <3

[nutritioncoach]

Hi Meggy

Click on this link and it will take you to a BMI (Body Mass Indicator) calculator. Enter your height and weight and it will do the rest. You can then go back to the doctor armed with this information and ask for help. Mention 'NICE' Obesity guidelines and you may get a more sympathetic response

nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/Healthyw...

But congratulations for wanting to make a change

[meggy24653 in reply to nutritioncoach]

thank you nutrition!

[solaimaniela]

Hi Meggy

Click on the link below. You can search the nearest center by giving your postcode, they will contact you and invite you to the nearest center. you can either meet the group once a week or being in touch with them on line. I have not joined myself yet but a friend of mine who recommended this to me was so happy and reached her goal of weight loss. they accept people from age 11+. If you are 11 -15 its free but from 15 above it is only £4.95 a week.

They will check your weight and BMI every week and give you a good diet and many others. The website will explain everything you need. I hope this could help. Good luck to you

slimmingworld.com

[meggy24653 in reply to solaimaniela]

thank you very much