Hi, I'm a 13 year old teen girl. I'm 5"6, and I weigh 161 pounds. Next week, my boyfriend and I are going to a huge water park, and I'm really embarrassed of my legs. Is my weight healthy for my age and height, and how do I lose weight, and how much?

Chances are your weight is somewhat "high" for your age (according to typical growth charts), but you are also tall for your young age, and are likely to grow, reshape, reform. I've been active and fit for most of my late teen and adult life, but I've been off the scales on the "high" side for weight for most of that time. I'm just broad shouldered, and I don't care if I'm off the scale for "ideal"... I know I'm fit and I know my body % is good. That doesn't mean I think my body is perfect or that there aren't things id change... I just know I'm doing what I can and I'm at peace with my "imperfections"...

When thinking about weight loss or overall fitness, you shouldn't think in the short term. Its normal for people to think "i have a dance coming up and id like to look my best" or "swimsuit season is coming and id like to get cranked in"...

We all do it. All of us.

But most body changes that are healthy and sustainable do not take a week, or even a month. I'm not saying a person can't begin to see changes in their body within a few weeks of exercise and lifestyle changes, but the real changes often happen several weeks to a few month out.

It takes most people about 6-8 weeks for a new routine to become a "habit"... a "reflex"... something you are just doing and living, not so much forcing yourself to do.

So... even if you cannot make big changes in time for this date, so what? We all want to be attractive to the people we date, but really... don't assume that "imperfect" legs or any other body feature will turn him away.

So... stop thinking about the water park date. Think about what things you might like to do to be more fit. What things does he like to do? Bike? Hike? Walk? Swim?

Sustainable weight loss occurs with healthy changes... finding ways to be active (burn calories) and ways to change your lifestyle (drop empty calories like in soda, junk food... get good sleep... take a good multivitamin)...

Your local public library often has exercise dvds for "free" rental.. it's a nice way to try out something new, something that can be done in the privacy of your home, and the visual stim keeps you from staring at a wall while you work out.

The sooner in the day you can workout, the better. It cranks up your metabolism and makes your body burn more calories throughout the day... this isn't always easy to do with school, but even just 45 min taken in the early am to walk can start things going.

Or jumping rope. Seriously, it's the frickin' devils work. Jumping rope SUCKS... but its one of the highest cal burners out there. Jump for two minutes, walk in place for two, jump for two, etc... then work your way into more and more time jumping rope.

Did I mention how much that sucks? Just checking.

Walking stairs, lunges, walking lunges, squats all work the legs and also get into your "core" (abs/back)...

Lots more I could say, but the biggest point is you are young, your body is still forming, shaping, and you have lots of time to develop the healthy habits that will get you where you want to be.

So you might not see big changes by your pool date... but you might begin to see changes by the summer... and by the end of the summer, you could really be happy with where you are.

But it takes time and a commitment that is longer than a week or a month.

And I'm guessing that he's going to be less focused on your legs and more focused of the great fun he's going to have with a great girl.

I've been attracted to women of many different body types throughout my life, and one of the most attractive things about a person can be their genuine confidence... so try to find peace with yourself, have fun, and make plans for any changes you might want for yourself.

You won't lose a great deal in a week's time, but you can start exercising every day, at least a half hour walk... an hour would be even better, dance, skip rope, use some weights, just get moving... doing something every day.

Also, watch what you eat. Cut out any junk foods, soda, cookies, fast food, etc.. Focus on healthy choices, more fruits and veggies, and smaller potion sizes... one bowl of cereal instead of two. Resist going back for seconds unless it's a fruit or veg. Think the size of the palm of you hand for any meat or fish, and a measuring cup for most anything else. If you get hungry, have some carrots, raisins, grapes, strawberries, handful of nuts, etc. near by to munch on. You don't want to cut back drastically, unless you know you tend to really over eat, just eat more sensibly.

Drink plenty of water, but don't go over the top with it. Several glasses a day is plenty. Having a glass full before each meal may help you feel fuller and eat a bit less. If you are exercising more, you will need a bit more fluid intake.

Your height and weight are both above the average for a 13 year old so that sort of balances things out. Think more about how you feel and how you think you look than what the numbers are. If you feel you want to loose some weight, just do it smartly. No crash diets or unhealthy choices.

When you get to where you are happy with how you look, then just keep moving and you can still enjoy some goodies now and then. It takes time, but as you see results you will be motivated to keep going to get where you want to be.

After you follow the above.. you may want to get a bathingsuit that fits your body type so you are comfortable. They have ones with board shorts and they look great and cover your legs.