Pinkninja
Level 3 Valued Member
I'm just about to go and look up Stan Efferding. Thank you
Kettlebell Impaired glucose tolerance
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Pinkninja
Level 3 Valued Member
We do have paintball here in our town..I didnt even consider that so thanks for bringing it up! One thing I didnt mention was that he would love to join the defence force when he finishes school. Thanks so much for your tips!
Pinkninja
Level 3 Valued Member
Thanks wespom...its going to be a struggle I think but I will definetely keep you updated! Hopefully with good news.
Priority #1 is diet. Google Paleo/Primal/Keto.
Snowman
Level 6 Valued Member
I'll just second what's been said about diet being #1 priority. Cutting amount of food won't make much difference unless you're cutting the amounts of refined carbohydrates (sugary foods and drink, including the cordial, and foods that are made out of other foods). Maybe try focusing on what he can eat. Meats, certain whole fruits (the ones with a low glycemic index), and cheese (probably) are all things that taste good, will help him control his blood sugar, and will get the weight to come off even if he eats loads and loads of them. I often feel silly talking about people getting "healthy enough to exercise," but the reality is that he will have more energy and be more resistant to injury after he's had his diet under control for a couple months.
Also, look his sleep. At his age he should be hitting 8-10 hours per night, and if he's staring at his screen until right before he goes to bed, the first hour of two of sleep don't really "count," because it's likely very poor quality sleep. Getting him blue light blocking glasses and an app for his computer that can block some of the blue light from the screen for a couple hours before bed can help, but the best thing is no screen at all for 1-2 hours before bed time. Poor sleep leads to a variety of persistent hormonal, metabolic, and neurological issues that can definitely contribute to insulin resistance (aka the beginnings of diabetes), as well as poor focus, low energy, and other symptoms of depression.
In my humble opinion...
Priority#1-Nutrition. More good stuff. Less bad stuff.
Priority #2-Sleep. More sleep. Better sleep.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Priority #3-Exercise. Make it fun, so he can make it a habit.
Also, look his sleep. At his age he should be hitting 8-10 hours per night, and if he's staring at his screen until right before he goes to bed, the first hour of two of sleep don't really "count," because it's likely very poor quality sleep. Getting him blue light blocking glasses and an app for his computer that can block some of the blue light from the screen for a couple hours before bed can help, but the best thing is no screen at all for 1-2 hours before bed time. Poor sleep leads to a variety of persistent hormonal, metabolic, and neurological issues that can definitely contribute to insulin resistance (aka the beginnings of diabetes), as well as poor focus, low energy, and other symptoms of depression.
In my humble opinion...
Priority#1-Nutrition. More good stuff. Less bad stuff.
Priority #2-Sleep. More sleep. Better sleep.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Priority #3-Exercise. Make it fun, so he can make it a habit.
dc
Level 7 Valued Member
Walking, get him walking.
Just my opinion & I’ll probably get shot down, but he’s still living under your roof & 17yr olds aren’t adults even if they think they are. I think you might be to soft on him, start laying down the law. You don’t have to completely control everything he does, but he obviously isn’t going to do it himself. Being very shy means he isn’t going to be inclined to get out & into something unless pushed a little. Being pre-diabetic isn’t something to p@#$y foot around with especially at 17, it’s a shorter step to full diabetic than it is to step back. Time to make him step up & start taking control of his health, before he’s controlling his diabetes instead. Sorry if I sound a little harsh on you @Pinkninja but some of the most loving mums can be a little to soft on their pride & joys, when they might need just a little kick up the bum.
Just my opinion & I’ll probably get shot down, but he’s still living under your roof & 17yr olds aren’t adults even if they think they are. I think you might be to soft on him, start laying down the law. You don’t have to completely control everything he does, but he obviously isn’t going to do it himself. Being very shy means he isn’t going to be inclined to get out & into something unless pushed a little. Being pre-diabetic isn’t something to p@#$y foot around with especially at 17, it’s a shorter step to full diabetic than it is to step back. Time to make him step up & start taking control of his health, before he’s controlling his diabetes instead. Sorry if I sound a little harsh on you @Pinkninja but some of the most loving mums can be a little to soft on their pride & joys, when they might need just a little kick up the bum.
Oscar
Level 7 Valued Member
@Pinkninja How does he feel about being a bit fat and sedentary? Is he aware of it?
I´m asking this because in my experience, its very difficult to impose a change on anybody. The only way to make it work is for that person to want that.
I´m asking this because in my experience, its very difficult to impose a change on anybody. The only way to make it work is for that person to want that.
GeoffreyLevens
Level 6 Valued Member
Pretty right on I'd say. I would add that if food quality/choices get tuned in, he could likely eat even MORE food and still lose weight! See these two links for details
A Common Sense Approach To Sound Nutrition
Maximizing Weight Loss: How To Fine Tune Calorie Density
David S
Level 5 Valued Member
This is great advice, an active job (pushing trolleys, as you suggest, warehouse work etc ) alongside a decent diet could be make a huge difference.
Please let us know what the doctor says - this sounds to me like the doctor ought to be your first source for advice. Interpreting blood sugar readings without a diagnosis is not something I would do.
-S-
Paul Nathan
Level 4 Valued Member
Hm, sounds like me about 15-17 years ago.
Video games and shyness are a substantial problem. They form a positive feedback loop into each other, generating a net negative outcome. I think it's the key generational challenge of the children today: how to deal with the addictive electronics.
I would suggest weaving a path to a youth activity where he could interact 1-4x week. This probably would be most effective to improve socially if there was a number of ladies his age there(personal experience talking ;-) ).
If one can get achievements that matter, it blows away the illusions in video games- again in my experience. Weights, running, etc help here!
Jobs help too. Linking accomplishments to skill and work and the virtuous cycle is huge.
Best of luck, love to hear updates.
Video games and shyness are a substantial problem. They form a positive feedback loop into each other, generating a net negative outcome. I think it's the key generational challenge of the children today: how to deal with the addictive electronics.
I would suggest weaving a path to a youth activity where he could interact 1-4x week. This probably would be most effective to improve socially if there was a number of ladies his age there(personal experience talking ;-) ).
If one can get achievements that matter, it blows away the illusions in video games- again in my experience. Weights, running, etc help here!
Jobs help too. Linking accomplishments to skill and work and the virtuous cycle is huge.
Best of luck, love to hear updates.
StanStan
Level 4 Valued Member
Have you heard of Parkrun? It is a worldwide group that organises timed 5 km runs every Saturday morning, usually around 9.30am. No fee, all volunteers, and the atmosphere has always been fantastic wherever we've been. Folks are very welcoming of runners and walkers alike. After all, even though the event is always timed, it is a run, not a race ! (that's their moto)
Have a look here in case there is one near you: events | parkrun USA
Have a look here in case there is one near you: events | parkrun USA
ThorsFavoriteGoat
Level 6 Valued Member
I can relate. About 3 months ago, I was dealing with a very, very inactive 15 year old boy. He had a negative experience playing basketball when he was younger, and it crushed all of his confidence with anything physical.
I found a great kettlebell gym with supportive, SFG certified coaches in our area, I signed us up for an intro class, and told him we were going. After that, I was firm with him that we were going to do this at least 3 times per week for the forseeable future. I think it's important to note that I adjusted my training plan/goals so that I could go to class with him.
12 weeks later, he's a different kid. He loves the classes and the people there, and he's walking around the house without a shirt on. He's got a goal of being "BEEFY" by the time he goes back to school.
It's been good for our relationship as well. I am not trying to coach him or offer advice - I am leaving that to the coaches. We're just two dudes working out.
I found a great kettlebell gym with supportive, SFG certified coaches in our area, I signed us up for an intro class, and told him we were going. After that, I was firm with him that we were going to do this at least 3 times per week for the forseeable future. I think it's important to note that I adjusted my training plan/goals so that I could go to class with him.
12 weeks later, he's a different kid. He loves the classes and the people there, and he's walking around the house without a shirt on. He's got a goal of being "BEEFY" by the time he goes back to school.
It's been good for our relationship as well. I am not trying to coach him or offer advice - I am leaving that to the coaches. We're just two dudes working out.
Smile-n-Nod
Level 5 Valued Member
Opinion: Fathers, stop coddling your kids - CNN
Original story from CNN:
There's a story that a friend shared a few months ago that really made an impression on me -- as it did a roomful of other middle-aged parents who are struggling with raising their toddlers or teenagers.
One day, my friend said, he walked into his house and casually told his teenage son that he needed some help with some minor chore outside. The son, who had been playing video games, was clearly bothered. Exasperated, he said, "Dad, whenever you ask me to do stuff like this, it's just such an inconvenience."
Showing more restraint than I would have at that moment, my friend calmly apologized to his son for disturbing him. Then he picked up the phone, and fired his landscaper. Next, my friend sat down at the computer and ordered a gift for his son: a brand new lawnmower. This summer, the teenager -- who is now responsible for doing all the yard work at the family home -- is learning the true meaning of the word, "inconvenience."
It's a great story. But what I found most interesting was the crowd's reaction. It amounted to thunderous applause. It was as if they were ready to name my friend, "Father of the Year."
Smile-n-Nod here: the question "Is it inconvenient?" worked magic in my household for a few months after I shared this story with my young teenage daughters.
Original story from CNN:
There's a story that a friend shared a few months ago that really made an impression on me -- as it did a roomful of other middle-aged parents who are struggling with raising their toddlers or teenagers.
One day, my friend said, he walked into his house and casually told his teenage son that he needed some help with some minor chore outside. The son, who had been playing video games, was clearly bothered. Exasperated, he said, "Dad, whenever you ask me to do stuff like this, it's just such an inconvenience."
Showing more restraint than I would have at that moment, my friend calmly apologized to his son for disturbing him. Then he picked up the phone, and fired his landscaper. Next, my friend sat down at the computer and ordered a gift for his son: a brand new lawnmower. This summer, the teenager -- who is now responsible for doing all the yard work at the family home -- is learning the true meaning of the word, "inconvenience."
It's a great story. But what I found most interesting was the crowd's reaction. It amounted to thunderous applause. It was as if they were ready to name my friend, "Father of the Year."
Smile-n-Nod here: the question "Is it inconvenient?" worked magic in my household for a few months after I shared this story with my young teenage daughters.
Last edited:
North Coast Miller
Level 9 Valued Member
As @ dc, stated, this is no longer about motivation in the context of perennial parental conflict with their offspring. Being that its now a medical issue I'd have to pull out all the stops - whatever way I could make him get moving in a positive direction both with diet and exercise I'd do it, carrot and stick.
It can be tiring, I went through a similar but opposite issue with my son not eating when he was 7. Here's irony for you - we sent him to a week long camp at a local higher-end fitness club. While there he saw a ton of overweight adults and instead of looking at it they were there to get healthy again, just decided food was going to make him fat. Wasn't a big guy to start with, he dropped off the bottom end of the BMI charts over a 6 month period. He's 100% now but this was a real struggle for a good year or so - clinical eating disorder specialists have no protocols for pre-adolescent kids.
That being said, its a medical issue and I'd be prepared to make him hate me if I thought it would improve his health, as long as he understood why.
It can be tiring, I went through a similar but opposite issue with my son not eating when he was 7. Here's irony for you - we sent him to a week long camp at a local higher-end fitness club. While there he saw a ton of overweight adults and instead of looking at it they were there to get healthy again, just decided food was going to make him fat. Wasn't a big guy to start with, he dropped off the bottom end of the BMI charts over a 6 month period. He's 100% now but this was a real struggle for a good year or so - clinical eating disorder specialists have no protocols for pre-adolescent kids.
That being said, its a medical issue and I'd be prepared to make him hate me if I thought it would improve his health, as long as he understood why.
Manuel Fortin
Level 6 Valued Member
@Pinkninja I'm a bit late to this thread, but here is my experience. By 15, I was way overweight at 165 pounds and "sports" was playing the olympic games series on the Commodore 64. 3 years later, I was 145-150 pounds, had gained a few inches in height, and was moving much more. In the summer, transportation meant cycling. In the winter, I tried to go to the pool a few times a week and lifted weights (with a poor routine, I wish I had learned the powerlifts at that age, but still, I was in the gym!) . So, how did this happen? Here are in no particular order a few pointers. Maybe they will help.
1 - The good news: losing the weight was incredibly easy. A 17 year old male had the perfect hormonal profile for this. "Diet" consisted in having dessert only once a day and having fries only 3 times a week. Breakfast was the traditional toasts with peanut butter and jelly, I ate at the school cafeteria (then the university cafeteria) on school days and had dinner at home. I ate snacks whenever I was hungry and never counted calories. Yet, I lost 20 pounds in 2-3 years. In fact, I had trouble keeping my weight reasonable. at 6 feet tall, I would sometimes get as low as 140 pounds in the summer.
2 - Exercise: what happened? Well, I undid the damage of high school phys ed. I was really bad at sports as a kid, and was therefore always chosen last when we made teams. I had no talent and the teachers were awful. Example: one day he decided to time a 1 km run and grade us on it. No preparation, no training program, just, OK, let's go to the park, run, and you get a grade. How are people supposed to like physical activity after that? If I recall correctly, math teachers at least try to show you the stuff before the test. They don't say : OK, today we have a calculus test when they never talked about it.
I don't know what your son's experience is with sports and physical activity, but there is a wide range of activities one can do. You are not limited to soccer and basketball. If you don't like sports team, you can try endurance activities. I fell in love with cycling, so that was my activity. However, I also after that, in my 20s, did many individual sports (as opposed to team sports): badminton, squash, fencing, swimming, ... I'm sure there is something your son would enjoy. He must find it. Once I got in good enough shape to do OK, I also started to enjoy team sports and played water polo and rugby, but that is a personal taste. Many people go through life never doing team sports.
2a - My 7 year old daughter has a weight problem. We had trouble getting her to exercise. We however encouraged her any time she wanted to try something. Even at 7 she is stubborn, and coercion does not work that well. This winter she tried tennis, out of her own will, and is now hooked. This was a bit weird as I had played a bit when I was 11-13, but had never mentioned it in front of her. She probably saw some tennis videos on Youtube and found them interesting. We have a park with courts 2 minutes from our house and my wife, daughter and I go on a court and just play together, taking breaks when needed. Sometimes, my daughter will play for 2 hours in a row and cry when it's time to leave because our reserved time is over. She found her physical activity, and is losing weight like crazy (well, in combination with a "diet", but at that age, "diet" consists in only limiting sweets. If she is hungry outside of meals, snacks consist usually of fruits).
3 - Stubbornness and know-it-all-ness: I don't know about your son, but I and all my friends were really stubborn at that age and thought that at 17 we really didn't need anyone to tell us what to do. Ordering him to do sports is likely not to end well. Encouraging him to try stuff may work. The details really depend on his psychology. Stubbornness may be an advantage. Once he catches on with something he likes, he may just go all in with it. If he likes role models, finding an active one he can identify with can be good. If he is more of a rebel, then finding rebel activities (skateboarding, etc...) may work. If he wants to please the ladies, then bodybuilding could be good.
4 - Hormonal profile (part 2): Your son has a one in a lifetime opportunity to build muscle like crazy (well, without using drugs). When I was playing rugby, I kept on seeing kids coming in our club at 16-17 looking like, well, kids, and 3 years later, looking like men and starting to give me trouble at training. All they needed was a lot of food and the coach to give them a nice lifting program to do in the winter. I wish I had known all I know now regarding training and nutrition at 17. If you can subtly get your son to "get" this, depending on his personality, he may just start training on his own.
OK, that is a lot longer than what I expected and I don't have a magic bullet. However, I was like your son when I was 15-16, and now I read this forum, deadlift, snatch kettlebells and play tennis. I would still do water polo and rugby if this old body would follow, but I want to keep whatever is left of my joints for old age. There is a way for your son to get back to a healthier path, and I hope I provided a few helpful pointers.
1 - The good news: losing the weight was incredibly easy. A 17 year old male had the perfect hormonal profile for this. "Diet" consisted in having dessert only once a day and having fries only 3 times a week. Breakfast was the traditional toasts with peanut butter and jelly, I ate at the school cafeteria (then the university cafeteria) on school days and had dinner at home. I ate snacks whenever I was hungry and never counted calories. Yet, I lost 20 pounds in 2-3 years. In fact, I had trouble keeping my weight reasonable. at 6 feet tall, I would sometimes get as low as 140 pounds in the summer.
2 - Exercise: what happened? Well, I undid the damage of high school phys ed. I was really bad at sports as a kid, and was therefore always chosen last when we made teams. I had no talent and the teachers were awful. Example: one day he decided to time a 1 km run and grade us on it. No preparation, no training program, just, OK, let's go to the park, run, and you get a grade. How are people supposed to like physical activity after that? If I recall correctly, math teachers at least try to show you the stuff before the test. They don't say : OK, today we have a calculus test when they never talked about it.
I don't know what your son's experience is with sports and physical activity, but there is a wide range of activities one can do. You are not limited to soccer and basketball. If you don't like sports team, you can try endurance activities. I fell in love with cycling, so that was my activity. However, I also after that, in my 20s, did many individual sports (as opposed to team sports): badminton, squash, fencing, swimming, ... I'm sure there is something your son would enjoy. He must find it. Once I got in good enough shape to do OK, I also started to enjoy team sports and played water polo and rugby, but that is a personal taste. Many people go through life never doing team sports.
2a - My 7 year old daughter has a weight problem. We had trouble getting her to exercise. We however encouraged her any time she wanted to try something. Even at 7 she is stubborn, and coercion does not work that well. This winter she tried tennis, out of her own will, and is now hooked. This was a bit weird as I had played a bit when I was 11-13, but had never mentioned it in front of her. She probably saw some tennis videos on Youtube and found them interesting. We have a park with courts 2 minutes from our house and my wife, daughter and I go on a court and just play together, taking breaks when needed. Sometimes, my daughter will play for 2 hours in a row and cry when it's time to leave because our reserved time is over. She found her physical activity, and is losing weight like crazy (well, in combination with a "diet", but at that age, "diet" consists in only limiting sweets. If she is hungry outside of meals, snacks consist usually of fruits).
3 - Stubbornness and know-it-all-ness: I don't know about your son, but I and all my friends were really stubborn at that age and thought that at 17 we really didn't need anyone to tell us what to do. Ordering him to do sports is likely not to end well. Encouraging him to try stuff may work. The details really depend on his psychology. Stubbornness may be an advantage. Once he catches on with something he likes, he may just go all in with it. If he likes role models, finding an active one he can identify with can be good. If he is more of a rebel, then finding rebel activities (skateboarding, etc...) may work. If he wants to please the ladies, then bodybuilding could be good.
4 - Hormonal profile (part 2): Your son has a one in a lifetime opportunity to build muscle like crazy (well, without using drugs). When I was playing rugby, I kept on seeing kids coming in our club at 16-17 looking like, well, kids, and 3 years later, looking like men and starting to give me trouble at training. All they needed was a lot of food and the coach to give them a nice lifting program to do in the winter. I wish I had known all I know now regarding training and nutrition at 17. If you can subtly get your son to "get" this, depending on his personality, he may just start training on his own.
OK, that is a lot longer than what I expected and I don't have a magic bullet. However, I was like your son when I was 15-16, and now I read this forum, deadlift, snatch kettlebells and play tennis. I would still do water polo and rugby if this old body would follow, but I want to keep whatever is left of my joints for old age. There is a way for your son to get back to a healthier path, and I hope I provided a few helpful pointers.
Pinkninja
Level 3 Valued Member
Its been a little while since I last visited here and I wanted to say thank you all for your incredible support, wisdom, encouragement and very personal stories of fitness journeys in the teen years. I feel more confident and positive. Thank you North Coast Miller for your straightforward words which are what I really need to hear and Manuel for your wisdom and encouragement and Steve, thanks for your concern. Baker Im so glad to hear you are seeing great results with your young man!
We went to the doctor today for the blood test results. My son had a Glucose Tolerance Test done a few days ago where he had to have a vial of blood taken when fasting then drink 300ml of glucose and an hour later have a blood test and then another hour after that have another blood test. Also liver function test and full blood count. So what came of it all was that my son is insulin impaired which means that he is producing insulin but not enough to service all the extra weight that he has. Thankfully not diabetic - yet. The doctor said that unless my son loses about 10kg (hes 108kg and 185cm tall) he will increase his chance of diabetes by 5% each year from now on. So, the doctor suggested that my son see an exercise physiologist and a dietician and do 45 minutes of exercise 5 times a week with enough intensity to puff. So, just thinking of how we are going to do this. Thankfully you have all given me lots of suggestions.
The doctor also mentioned that my sons liver is minimally fatty which isnt good either...the fact that its fatty at all is concerning so we gotta shift the weight.
I will keep you all updated as we start on this somewhat difficult new journey.
We went to the doctor today for the blood test results. My son had a Glucose Tolerance Test done a few days ago where he had to have a vial of blood taken when fasting then drink 300ml of glucose and an hour later have a blood test and then another hour after that have another blood test. Also liver function test and full blood count. So what came of it all was that my son is insulin impaired which means that he is producing insulin but not enough to service all the extra weight that he has. Thankfully not diabetic - yet. The doctor said that unless my son loses about 10kg (hes 108kg and 185cm tall) he will increase his chance of diabetes by 5% each year from now on. So, the doctor suggested that my son see an exercise physiologist and a dietician and do 45 minutes of exercise 5 times a week with enough intensity to puff. So, just thinking of how we are going to do this. Thankfully you have all given me lots of suggestions.
The doctor also mentioned that my sons liver is minimally fatty which isnt good either...the fact that its fatty at all is concerning so we gotta shift the weight.
I will keep you all updated as we start on this somewhat difficult new journey.
Matts
Level 3 Valued Member
Good for you for getting the checkup and defining the problem! Unfortunately, you read articles about this all the time, now. I wouldn't spend too much time figuring out what to do- get him out walking for 10-15 mins at a time, and build that up fast, and cut the sweets out. At his age, he'll do a quick turnaround compared to when he's older. You can always follow up with professionals, but I'd show him it's urgent and to be taken very seriously by starting today! Good luck and he's lucky to have a good, caring mom.
Paul Nathan
Level 4 Valued Member
Thanks for the update. Very interested to see how the journey progresses, and I am rooting for you and the kid.
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