What is a Healthy Weight?

Author: Derek Chan, College student writer

Most people worry about how much they weigh -- young and old alike. On one end is the problem of obesity, being too overweight. Among teens in the United States, obesity is a serious problem effecting many youth. Too much body fat can lead to serious health conditions, including diabetes and heart problems.

On the other end are those who worry so much about what they weigh that they starve themselves. Eating disorders are a major problem among preteens and especially among girls.

You should consult your doctor if you have problems with either obesity or eating disorders to get help now.

What should I Weigh?

Most adults can tell if they are overweight by using the Body Mass Index (also known as BMI) -- a way of estimating how much body fat you have based on your height and weight. There are many BMI calculators on the Internet for finding an "adult" BMI score.

However, in teens, the body mass index is used differently by your doctor to tell if you are underweight, overweight or at risk for being overweight. Body fatness changes over the years as you grow. Also, girls and boys differ in their body fatness as they mature. This is why BMI for kids and teens, also referred to as BMI-for-age, is gender and age specific. An Internet BMI calculator usually aren't designed for a child or teenager and should not be used as a guide.

Your personal physician can tell you what your weight should be based on your gender, age, height and weight. If you need to lose or gain some weight, your doctor can provide guidance on changing your weight safely.

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References

National Women's Health Information Center. 4Girls Health. Fit for Life. Accessed July 2004.

Nemours Foundation. Be a Fit Kid. Accessed July 2004.

Palo Alto Medical Foundation. Fitness. Accessed July 2004.

Palo Alto Medical Foundation. Benefits of Fitness. Accessed July 2004.

Palo Alto Medical Foundation. Preparing to Get Fit. Accessed July 2004.

Palo Alto Medical Foundation. Maintaining the Lifestyle. Accessed July 2004.

Nemours Foundation. Body Mass Index. Accessed July 2004.

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