Underweight/Overweight: Affecting Your Mind And body / Question
Published: December 10, 2001
Dear TeenHealthFX,
My sister is barely 5'3" and weighs 102 lbs. My brothers are 5'9.5", and 5'10.5", and weigh 145, and 155 respectively, and practically all muscle. I on the other hand, am just under 5'9", and weigh 129. How is it that they are so skinny, and I'm not? I exercise 30-40 min 3 or 4 times a week, and can never manage to knock any of the weight off. People tell me not to worry, but I'd still like to lose 10 pounds. Is this unreasonable? Please help.
Signed: Confused About Weight
Dear Confused About Weight,
TeenHealthFX understands how hard it can be when we compare ourselves to others, especially siblings. The problem with comparing weight is that each person is an individual with his or her own body type. It is what makes each of you special. It is hard to compare your weight to your sister's, as she is 6 inches shorter than you are and therefore should weigh less than you do. Males are very different from females, especially at your age. The boys will tend have more lean muscle mass and will appear thin until they stop growing and fill out. Girls on the other hand fill out first and then as they get older they will often slim down.
You are on the right track by exercising regularly and eating healthy, this will keep your body at its ideal body weight. Everyone's body has a certain range where it functions the best. A good way view your weight is by using the BMI (body mass index).
Being skinny is an ideal that today's society has created, it can be not only unhealthy but unrealistic as well. TeenHealthFX hopes that you can find happiness in yourself and cherish the differences between all of your siblings. By exercising in a healthy way and eating well your weight will be right where it belongs.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Teens often abuse prescription drugs because of the myth that these drugs provide a medically safe high.
