Underweight/Overweight: Affecting Your Mind And body / Question
Published: May 8, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am a 15-year-old female and I am 5'9", 127 pounds. I feel so fat when I look at myself in the mirror. My goal is to get down to 115 pounds. I lost five pounds last week, but I have already gained back 4 of them because I eat too much. How can I keep the weight off that I lose?
Signed: I Feel So Fat
Dear I Feel So Fat,
TeenHealthFX is very concerned that you are not looking at your weight in a realistic manner. Someone who is 5'9", 127 pounds does not need to lose 5 pounds. In fact if you wrote to us saying that you were 59" 115 pounds, we would tell you that because your Body Mass Index (BMI) score was below 19 that you should see a doctor or nutritionist (see Appropriate Height and Weight).
Before you continue with your plans to lose weight TeenHealthFX strongly advises that you check with your doctor. Your doctor can talk to you about what is a healthy weight for you and advise you on eating healthy. Proper nutrition is very important during adolescence because it is a period of physical growth. It is critical that you get the nutrients that your body needs to develop.
Keep in mind that each person's body is unique and you will be happier if you accept yourself for the way you are. Do not compare yourself to others, especially models in magazines. Many of these models are either blessed with extraordinary genetics, living unhealthy life styles, or are air-brushed in magazines to make them look even skinnier than they actually are.
If you would like to meet with a doctor from the Adolescent/Young Adult Center in Morristown, New Jersey, you can call 973.971.6475 for an appointment.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Compared with other age groups, teens have the lowest rate of seat belt use, and male high school students are more likely than female students to rarely or never wear seat belts.
