am i underweight?

Question
I am 13, I weigh 88 lbs. and I am 63 inches tall. I eat a lot of food, but I am so active outside that I normally lose all or more of it. Some websites tell me that I am underweight, and others tell me that I am on the verge of being underweight. I gain about 10 lbs. each year, and when I was in 6th grade, I gained 20 lbs, and in 7th grade (this year) I gained 15 lbs. At the beginning of the year I was 80 lbs, but at the very end and heading into summer I weighed 95 lbs. But I am now 88 lbs.
I know they say that I should eat a lot more and do a lot less, but its not that easy. My average calorie intake a day should be 2000 calories, but i take in about 2500 a day. I don't know what to do. I'm not anorexic, I have always been like this.

On the other hand, my sister is 11 years old. She weighs 75 and is 59 inches. Her thighs are already bigger than mine. I am the smallest in my family. I'm afraid that she will become bigger than me within a year.

I need help.
thank you,
Taylor

Answer
Taylor,
 
Thank you for trusting me to answer your questions.  

First, let me tell you that although your weight is low, because you are 13, I can't tell you what a good weight for you is.

You will want to ask your doctor specifically if he or she thinks you are in any medical danger from your low weight.

One thing you may want to look at is what could have happened, in addition to exercise and being active, that would have made you lose weight.  Many people lose weight because of stress and I know how stressful middle school is.  (I have a sister who just finished 6th grade.)

There are some people who are just naturally thin.  Some people find that hard to accept because they can't understand that.  But that's not your fault.

To gain weight, you would have to consume more calories.  But if you do that, make sure that they food you eat is good and wholesome, not just a lot of junk food.

Also, remember that you haven't finished growing yet.  Even though your weight hasn't caught up to your height, eventually it will.

I love that you are so active and I am telling you to stay active.  This is an important habit to keep with you as you get older.

Now, about your 11 year old sister.  Don't compare yourself to her.  You are two different girls who will grow to be different heights and weights.  If she gets bigger than you, that's fine too.

I know this because my 6th grade sister is only 2 inches shorter than me, but we weigh the same.  We also have another sister who is about 5 inches taller than me and weighs more.  If I remember correctly, that sister got bigger than me when I was in high school and she was in middle school! At that point, and for a long time, I was the smallest in my family.  (Right now it's my mother, but not by much!)

Taylor, it's okay if your sister is bigger than you as long as you both remain healthy girls; which I think you will.

People will talk, but they won't understand.  Please don't stress yourself out if you know that you are eating enough and making it a habit to be active.

Keep in mind that you can always check with your doctor to make sure that you are healthy and that there is nothing medically wrong with you.  After all, that's what your doctor is for.  So, let your doctor know your concerns and he or she should let you know what the deal is.

I hope this helps.  Remember, don't compare yourself to anyone else.  All you need to do is make sure you are eating healthy and remaining active.

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