Teens trying to cut/lose weight- why you shouldn't (Story Time)

[Sigurd94]

Didn't complain, just showing them; curious what the next one will be since they should be lower. Wont go into detail but this was taken 'peak' timing wise in terms of medicine, while the march 15 ones will be on the end, interested in what the difference, if any, will be.

Your test levels fluctuate alot during the day, so you are going to get lower results for sure, if you take the same test at an later time of the day.

[gbullock32]

Your test levels fluctuate alot during the day, so you are going to get lower results for sure, if you take the same test at an later time of the day.

It will still be a morning test, same time and all actually; just at a different timing in terms of medication.

[Sigurd94]

It will still be a morning test, same time and all actually; just at a different timing in terms of medication.

Ah, you are on TRT? So this was taken a couple of days after injecting?

How much are you on currently? When was this test taken?

[gbullock32]

Ah, you are on TRT? So this was taken a couple of days after injecting?

How much are you on currently? When was this test taken?

Wont answer most of that due to forum rules, but yes on TRT, it is stated as much in the OP.

[Sigurd94]

Wont answer most of that due to forum rules, but yes on TRT, it is stated as much in the OP.

Illegal use is not allowed, talking about trt is.

[gbullock32]

Illegal use is not allowed, talking about trt is.

Nope, it is not allowed here; at least dose or anything specific.

I can say I am on it, doctor prescribed and monitored, to keep me in the normal levels but that is all.

[Broscientist88]

Male testosterone peaks at around 20, not in the young teens (up to 720/dl, males form 18-20 were observed with up to 1000+).

Regardless, I am also of the opinion it was simply your genetics/Extreme dieting. If you did the same thing starting at 20 the same thing would have happened. Just my speculation of course, inspiring story though, great job and congrats.

[gbullock32]

Bump.

[CJK2020]

this should be a sticky.

[gbullock32]

Seeing Endo again on the 29th, hope the blood tests will be available by then. He is hoping to pin down the exact cause of the hormone imbalances- genetic, or by my own mess ups, or a combination so it might be of interest.

Also he wants to see if it was a testicular issues, pituitary, or something else. Going to be a fun day.

[Cshall98]

Seeing Endo again on the 29th, hope the blood tests will be available by then. He is hoping to pin down the exact cause of the hormone imbalances- genetic, or by my own mess ups, or a combination so it might be of interest.

Also he wants to see if it was a testicular issues, pituitary, or something else. Going to be a fun day.

Real sorry to hear that. Are all those problems stemming from the lack of fats and malnutrition from years ago?

[S3RB0N]

There's no reason not to cut as a teen, all you did was cut bad, anyone who knows anything about lifting will tell u not to go low on fat when cutting
i had some pretty successful cuts as a 16-17 yo
cool that you took the time to write all this down, willing to help other people

[Brenjam]

Nice post OP, glad you shared your story some very good points in here, take home points in my opinion really are just do your research in whatever approach you're taking be it trying to maintain your weight, lose weight or gain weight, so that you are able to do it safely and remain sane whilst doing so.

You can definitely maintain a healthy and normal lifestyle while cutting as a teen, although in the younger teen years I would certainly recommend just eating a wide variety of foods including fruits, vegetables, meats and foods you enjoy as well such as the more 'treat' style of foods.

Hope all is well for you now, how are you finding current health and lifting progression? goals for the future?

[gbullock32]

Real sorry to hear that. Are all those problems stemming from the lack of fats and malnutrition from years ago?

Combination it seems; going to find out more soon though about what actual system failed (for lack of a better term).

Nice post OP, glad you shared your story some very good points in here, take home points in my opinion really are just do your research in whatever approach you're taking be it trying to maintain your weight, lose weight or gain weight, so that you are able to do it safely and remain sane whilst doing so.

You can definitely maintain a healthy and normal lifestyle while cutting as a teen, although in the younger teen years I would certainly recommend just eating a wide variety of foods including fruits, vegetables, meats and foods you enjoy as well such as the more 'treat' style of foods.

Hope all is well for you now, how are you finding current health and lifting progression? goals for the future?

Health is good, lifting on hold for a little while longer due to hernia surgey but should be back at it in another month or so (hopefully).

[Geneticdefy2016]

hey gbullock32, first of all amazing story, but i cant believe that you had trouble gaining back weight after you cut, for most people they gain fat more easily after ruining their metabolism from cutting. anyways what do you think of recomping for teens (losing fat while gaining muscle)
I'm doing right now lost 1-2lbs per month, is it better than cutting?

[Jostuh]

wow this thread came a long way :O

[gbullock32]

hey gbullock32, first of all amazing story, but i cant believe that you had trouble gaining back weight after you cut, for most people they gain fat more easily after ruining their metabolism from cutting. anyways what do you think of recomping for teens (losing fat while gaining muscle)
I'm doing right now lost 1-2lbs per month, is it better than cutting?

Actually yes; if anything a recomp is a good idea since you are likely newer to training and natural growth can help too.

[PendlayRow8500]

@gbullock32

Do you have problems building muscle because of low T ?
And what about cortisol levels, etc ?

[gbullock32]

@gbullock32

Do you have problems building muscle because of low T ?
And what about cortisol levels, etc ?

Should see cortisol on these upcoming tests (I hope); and yes building muscle/gaining weight was a major issue because of the low T, though not a common side effect as many with low T gain fat more easily. For some reason I did/do not; so my doc thinks it may be a thyroid issue as well, but he is not sure.

[PendlayRow8500]

Should see cortisol on these upcoming tests (I hope); and yes building muscle/gaining weight was a major issue because of the low T, though not a common side effect as many with low T gain fat more easily. For some reason I did/do not; so my doc thinks it may be a thyroid issue as well, but he is not sure.

In4 good results !

[gbullock32]

In4 good results !

Hell, I'll be happy if they can tell me exactly what caused it or what all failed/is damaged. It is a complicated system though, endocrinology, so he may only be able to guess.

[xbodybuilder]

wtf......you weighed 200lbs at 5'2? got a pic of that? holy ****

[gbullock32]

wtf......you weighed 200lbs at 5'2? got a pic of that? holy ****

None on hand, maybe an old family photo if even that, I hated getting pictures taken back then.

[gbullock32]

Well trip to the doctors yesterday was not that helpful, still waiting on the blood test results from the full hormone panel. So in the mean time he is referring me to get an MRI to be sure that I do not have a pituitary tumor (he doesn't think that is the issue, but never hurts to check).

So for now it is wait for the results of labs and then do the MRI and hope to learn more from those.

[epfuhl]

Awesome post man, keep up the dedication and I hope those tests go well.

Dropped 100 lbs when I went into HS as well, no information given to me. Never cared about abs, which I think saved me from cutting too many calories and fats out.

And here I am with all the correct information working on a cut to 160 at 5'10, with strict counting, hitting macros, and getting in micros through vitamins. Never felt energy or strength loss like I did when I was in high school.

This needs to be stickied for all the teens to read

Don't kill yourselves for aesthetics, build up your body while it's making it easy for you.

Btw OP, mirin

[PendlayRow8500]

Well trip to the doctors yesterday was not that helpful, still waiting on the blood test results from the full hormone panel. So in the mean time he is referring me to get an MRI to be sure that I do not have a pituitary tumor (he doesn't think that is the issue, but never hurts to check).

So for now it is wait for the results of labs and then do the MRI and hope to learn more from those.

I know the feeling. I had some blood drawn a year back to check my vitals, and everything and I had to wait three weeks for results. As it turns out, my kidneys were not functioning 100% so I had to cut out the whey protein, protein bars, etc. for snacks and replaced them with cheese, yogurt, crackers, oatmeal,etc. Now I know better than to consume 1.5 g BW of protein a day.

So teens and even adults, there's really no need to consume more than1 G protein per pound a day, it can even be harmful.

Those who say consume more are either idiots or they're trying to market protein powders and bars. Don't listen to their pleas, real protein sources taste better away. A medium rare steak beats a protein shake/bar any day !

Oh, the kidneys are functioning properly again.

Peace

[gbullock32]

I know the feeling. I had some blood drawn a year back to check my vitals, and everything and I had to wait three weeks for results. As it turns out, my kidneys were not functioning 100% so I had to cut out the whey protein, protein bars, etc. for snacks and replaced them with cheese, yogurt, crackers, oatmeal,etc. Now I know better than to consume 1.5 g BW of protein a day.

So teens and even adults, there's really no need to consume more than1 G protein per pound a day, it can even be harmful.

Those who say consume more are either idiots or they're trying to market protein powders and bars. Don't listen to their pleas, real protein sources taste better away. A medium rare steak beats a protein shake/bar any day !

Oh, the kidneys are functioning properly again.

Peace

That's good your kidneys are better; while not needed some do prefer more, and in most it is not an issue. Likely had a pre-existing kidney issue, or a genetic disposition to issues with higher protein?

[PendlayRow8500]

That's good your kidneys are better; while not needed some do prefer more, and in most it is not an issue. Likely had a pre-existing kidney issue, or a genetic disposition to issues with higher protein?

Yeah I got tested for diabetes and kidney disorders which came back negative. Maybe it was because I was only 100 lbs (moms side has skinny genetics) and my body couldn't handle the protein. Who knows, now I don't even track protein, just calories to hit goals and I am sure to eat lots of whole, protein rich foods.

[gbullock32]

Yeah I got tested for diabetes and kidney disorders which came back negative. Maybe it was because I was only 100 lbs (moms side has skinny genetics) and my body couldn't handle the protein. Who knows, now I don't even track protein, just calories to hit goals and I am sure to eat lots of whole, protein rich foods.

Much better to do it that way, do make sure to get adequate fat too though; easy to not get enough on accident with all the low fat stuff out there.

[PendlayRow8500]

Much better to do it that way, do make sure to get adequate fat too though; easy to not get enough on accident with all the low fat stuff out there.

Thanks for the advice My usual breakfast is 3 eggs, some yogurt, and fruit and I eat peanut butter at night so I'm sure I get enough fat. I tracked in one day, actually, and I got 80 g.

I think when doctors advise low fat stuff it's stupid, because fats are good for hormone levels, especially in developing teens. For people with heart problems, I believe the best approach is a moderate calorie, moderate fat, enough exercise and sleep lifestyle, basically MODERATION. Extremes are rarely the fix to anything. If you restrict fats too much, your hormone levels plummet and you'll feel like a beaten dog. If you eat too many fats, even within your calorie levels, your carbs have to drop so you might get headaches, low energy levels with high intensity activities. I'm speaking from experience.