Teen FAQ
For over 10 years, teens have been asking us questions on every topic imaginable. While we are no longer taking new questions, we have a wealth of information we would like to share with teenagers.
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Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Weight & Height Concerns > Body Image
Posted on: 01/19/2006
Question
I'm 13 years old and 5'5". I weigh 100 pounds. I know that I am thin, but I'm unhappy with my body and think I look fat because I have gigantic hips (34") compared to my tiny waist (21"). Is that size normal?
Answer
Just like no two snowflakes are alike, no two bodies are alike. Further, as a teen growth can be uneven. I'm sure you have seen teenage boys with huge feet which have grown before their bodies catch up. The challenge is how to learn to be comfortable with what you have been given. You should eat a healthy diet without too much junk food, stay active and make sure your doctor thinks you are healthy. It really comes down to accepting who you are and not trying to look like the women in magazines. Remember that only about 2 or 3 percent of the population look like them, and magazines make money selling stuff trying to make us think that we can look like them. If you take care of yourself, stay active and work at being a thoughtful and friendly person you will most likely come to like yourself and others will want to be you friend. I hope this helps.
(P.S. If you look at how women are represented in art, large hips are considered beautiful and feminine. It is also healthier to have large hips rather than a large tummy.)