Weight loss and body image for teenagers

Question
Hi, im 16 and about 5"1 and weigh around 122, is that normal for girls my height? Do you think i should loose a few pounds? I always feel so heavy compared to other people my height beacuse they seem so slight.
Thank you for your time,
Audrey

Answer
Dear Audrey,

A great part of teenagers' body weight problem can be not being really overweight but poor body image, including how they feel about their bodies themselves.

Figure out whether you are overweight or not. The only real indicator of your body composition is body fat percent. You don't need to buy anything but measuring tape. Make the following measurements:

Waist
Hip
Neck
Height

Download your own body fat calculator at this URL: http://bantadiet.com/banta/calculators.xls

Enter your measurements into the spreadsheet and see your results.

Body fat % for 14-19 years old girls is between 20 and 24%, depending on body frame (wide or narrow)

Body fat % for 14-19 years old boys is between 15% and 20%.

This calculator will also help you to figure out your fitness level. Improving your fitness is good for both overweight and "normal" kids.

When you do that, come back and ask me any further questions including body image improvement. I can recommend you a couple of simple exercises.


Tanya Zilberter

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