Body Weight - What's Normal? / Question
Published: November 15, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am very uncomfortable with my body. I am a 12-year-old girl, around 5'4" and 100lbs.
Signed: Uncomfortable With Body
Dear Uncomfortable With Body,
TeenHealthFX is concerned about you. It seems from your height and weight that you are already quite thin. We would like you to take a look at our answers to body weight (sports-18), nutritional guidelines (sports-5) and eating disorders (sports-10).
TeenHealthFX understands that most people are not 100% satisfied with their appearance. However, being happy should not depend solely on one's physical appearance. Each of us has unique non-physical qualities that make us who we are. Check out our link that can help identify some of your strengths (emotions-34). Taking pride in your physical appearance is okay, but know that each of us is more than just what is seen.
And remember, since you are only 12 years old, you have not yet completed puberty - so you have many more years of body changes ahead of you. If you continue to have concerns please talk to your parents or trusted adult. You can also talk to your doctor or school nurse. If you do not have a doctor and live in the northern New Jersey area you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973.971.6475 for an appointment. You can also call Girls Street - A Young Women's Health Program at 908.522.2555.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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