Healthy Ways Of Losing And Gaining Weight / Question
Published: December 5, 1999
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am a 5'3", 15 year old girl and I've recently lost weight (I'm 105 lbs). I get warning from adults that I am losing too much weight, becoming too thin and that I should really eat more. How can I know how much to eat so that I will get all the nutrition I need without having to gain those extra pounds? I do not like the feeling of being stuffed or bloated with water? Please help.
Signed: Eating Without Gaining
Dear Eating Without Gaining,
You need to talk to an adult about this and see your doctor. Your doctor may have you see a nutritionist to go over your eating and exercise habits. Eating Healthy at this time in your life is really important and you should not be dieting or trying to lose weight. You are still growing and your body needs food to get an ample supply of vitamins, proteins and nutrients to develop correctly.
If you eat right by following the guidelines under eating healthy and exercise 3 - 5 times per week for about 30 minutes, your body will only gain the weight it needs to perform its daily functions. Remember, you are still growing and 105 lbs is thin for girl who is probably getting taller as well.
TeenHealthFX is concerned that you may not be happy with yourself and how your body looks. This may be a sign of an eating disorder which early detection is the best treatment. For this reason, you may also need to speak to a counselor to help you work through these issues. Take the warnings from the adults seriously, your bodies depending on you to make the right decisions for a long, healthy life.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Teens often abuse prescription drugs because of the myth that these drugs provide a medically safe high.
