DR. WALLACE: I'm a 16-year-old girl who has been overweight all my life and I'm tired of being a human blimp. My parents are both grossly overweight as well. We aren't "big-boned." We simply overeat.

We eat large meals and lots of in-between snacks. My parents were born in Poland and so we eat lots of very palate-pleasing Polish specialties. All that will come to an end for me.

Today is the first day of my "new life." I'm going to start counting calories and eat fresh fruits and vegetables. I have my diet all planned out, but I'm not so sure about an exercise program. Everything I've read about diet and good health mentions a workout program, but I'm not sure what program brings the quickest weight loss.

What exercise program would you recommend? I need to lose over 30 pounds. I understand that it took me a long time to gain this flab and I plan to lose a pound or two a week until I reach my goal. — Carla, Chicago, Ill.

CARLA: Exercise is crucial to your health and should be part of your daily routine whether or not you're trying to lose weight. Exercise burns calories, reduces hunger pangs, and produces a psychological lift and sense of well-being.

You are wise to try to lose moderately. "Easy does it," says Dr. George Blockburn of Harvard Medical School. Rapid weight loss can cause many medical problems.

The time spent exercising is more important than the intensity, according to Dr. Blockburn. He recommends starting with 200 minutes per week and gradually increasing the time. A 20-minute brisk walk in the morning and evenings five days per week will accomplish the first goal.

I'm proud of you for taking the initiative to lose those extra pounds. Let's hope your parents follow your leadership.

MOTHER SHOULD GIVE LOVE AND RESPECT

DR. WALLACE: I will graduate from high school this June. The day after graduation, my best friend and I will get an apartment together. My mother is upset because she doesn't want me "wasting" my money on an apartment and she doesn't like my friend. She thinks my friend is a tramp and my reputation will be ruined by sharing an apartment with her. My friend dresses provocatively, but she is not a tramp.

I'm 17 and won't turn 18 until three weeks after graduation. My mother says she will call the authorities and report me as an incorrigible teen because I don't have permission to leave home. Both my soon-to-be roommate and I work part-time in a nice restaurant as food servers, and will work full-time soon, so we will be self-sufficient financially. The main reason I'm moving out of my mother's house is that she calls me bad names and says that she is sorry that she gave birth to me. — Nameless, Columbus, Ohio

NAMELESS: As a high school graduate who is almost 18, you will be legally considered an emancipated minor. Your mother won't be able to force you to return home. She must encourage you to return home the old-fashioned way — by showing love and respect.

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. E-mail him at [email protected]. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

Photo credit: Alan Levine