Body Weight - What's Normal? / Question
Published: April 17, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Hi, your site states that healthy BMI is between 19-24. When I was 14 I started to throw up my food. I was very 40 pounds overweight at the time. Now I reached a 22.2 BMI. Is this healthly? If I don't go below the 19 on the BMI, I will still grow right? I am 16 year old guy and 5'7". I currently have no facial hair, should I be concerned? Thanks.
Signed: 16 Y.O. Guy With 22.2 BMI - Healthy?
Dear 16 Y.O. Guy With 22.2 BMI - Healthy?,
TeenHealthFX is very concerned to hear that you were throwing up your food. We do not know if you are still doing this, but if so, it is very important that you stop. Throwing up food or refraining from eating are not healthy ways of losing weight. It is possible that you have an eating disorder. We suggest you speak to a parent, counselor, school nurse or other adult you can trust.
We cannot calculate a BMI (Body Mass Index) for you without knowing your weight, but you can do it yourself on this website. However, TeenHealthFX feels that your BMI is less of a priority than how you are treating your body. You can maintain a healthy weight and BMI by eating healthy and exercising regularly.
Most boys your age have started growing a beard. It is possible that your lack of facial hair is the result of unhealthy eating habits. TeenHealthFX recommends you see a doctor to get you back on track in terms of eating a healthy diet. If you live in Northern New Jersey, you can make an appointment at the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health in Morristown at 973-971-6475.
These websites can offer you more information on eating disorders:
National Eating Disorder Information Center
National Eating Disorder Association
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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