How can i control my weight?

Listen to your stomach. “I used to count calories,” says 19-​year-​old Julia, “but now I just stop eating when I’m full.”

Avoid foods that are unwholesome. “By cutting out soda,” says Peter, aged 21, “I lost five kilograms (10 lb) in just one month!”

Adjust bad eating habits. “I try not to go back for seconds,” says 19-year-old Erin.

Secret to Success: Don’t skip meals! If you do, you’ll feel starved and tend to overeat.

Of course, some people who say “I need to control my weight” have a distorted body image. They’re really fine the way they are. However, what if you do need to lose weight? Here’s what worked for a girl named Catherine.

“I was an overweight teenager, which was something I never wanted to be. I was so unhappy with the way I looked and felt!

“From time to time, I tried to lose weight with a special diet, but I always gained it back. So when I was 15, I decided that enough was enough. I wanted to lose weight the right way​—a way that I could maintain for the rest of my life.

“I bought a book that discussed basic nutrition and exercise principles, and I incorporated what I read into my life. I was determined that even if I ‘fell off the wagon’ or got discouraged, I would not give up.

“Guess what? It worked! Over the course of one year, I lost 27 kilograms (60 lb). I’ve maintained my desired weight for two years. I never thought it would happen!

“I think the reason I was successful is that I didn’t merely diet​—I made a lifestyle change.”​—Catherine, 18.