Thanks for taking the time to write in, it sounds like you having a difficult time at the moment. Your weight is just over the healthy weight range and that is not bad news. As a 13-year-old, many things can affect your weight because your body is developing and changing all the time.

You sound like you are feeling really depressed about some things in your life and you cut yourself to try and deal with the overwhelming feelings you have. It is really important that you talk with someone who can help you work through the reasons you are hurting yourself and help you find healthier and more positive ways to express your feelings. If you go to school you could talk to your school counsellor or a teacher you trust. Otherwise you can talk to your doctor, a trusted relative or a friend.

Back to your losing weight question, your mum does have a point by letting you know that dieting isn't the best way to lose weight. Research into young people and eating tells us that dieting leads to other troubles and concerns and once we stop dieting the weight comes back (sometimes we put on more than we lose). To learn more about the best things to eat to maintain a healthy weight I suggest you go to the Food Standards Agency's teens page. This site has some great ideas on weight management.

Also, it will really help if you can:

• Eat a healthy balanced diet
• Do regular exercise eg. go for a walk, walk the dog, bike ride, rollerblade or play a sport
• Get at least 8-9 hours sleep a night
• Have some fun and relaxation e.g. go to the movies, hang out with a friend or have a bubble bath.

All of these things will help you feel better about yourself, increase your positive mood and make you feel happier on the inside. Keeping active, having fun and being with friends can distract your mind too. If we are around people who make us feel good then their happy mood can rub off on us. Take care.