Im a 15 year old girl, 5'6, 170 lbs. and I need to lose weight in time for my 16th birthday party that is in a week. It's a debutant ball and I got my dress for it awhile ago and I have gained a few pounds since then and I want to lose the pounds in a week so I can fit into it in time. HELP??

Weight loss is about what you eat and how you move your body.

Do not starve yourself... you'll end up gaining more in the long run.

Cut out junk food and soda. Reduce salt. Eat about five times a day, but less food. For ex, whole wheat toast with peanut butter for breakfast, a few bites of cheese and lean mean for a snack. A light lunch. No fast food. Go for whole grain before white bread or pasta. Same with dinner... no need to fill up in the evening when you body is getting ready to sleep.

On the flip side, the thing that makes you lose weight, even when you decrease eating, is really cranking your metabolism up with exercise. You need to work out. Walk for an hour or more. Bike. Jump rope (seriously... it is the DEVILS workout). Move your body. Dance. Swim. Hike. Roller blade. You must be active. Break a sweat. Use your lungs. Breathe hard. "rent" exercise dvds from your local library for free. Tae bo. Aerobics. Dance videos.

Preferably in the morning so your metabolism is amped for the middle of the day. Then, perhaps again in the evening.

Honestly.. you may see the results you want or you may not... a week isn't a long time to make big changes. But all you can do is try.

Also get good sleep. Don't snack late. And again... don't starve yourself. It doesn't work and you'll feel like crap.