Being A Vegetarian / Question
Published: May 22, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Now I have a serious problem. I am so skinny. I am 13 years old and only weight 72 pounds - it's so gross. I don't eat meat. Could that be the reason? But one of my other friends doesn't eat meat either but she's a prefect size. I am so depressed with this issue. And I cant talk to my mom about it because she says its because I don't eat meat! I've tried so many things. I even forced myself to eat a hamburger, and I kept gagging and felt like I was going to throw up. I don't know what to do anymore and have no one to go to but you. Sometimes I'll even cry about this issue at night. Please help me. You're the only one I think will understand. THANK YOU!
Signed: Too Skinny To Be Happy - Because I Don't Eat Meat?
Dear Too Skinny To Be Happy - Because I Don't Eat Meat?,
TeenHealthFX cannot tell you if you are skinny due to not eating meat. We do think that it is possible to be vegetarian and be healthy. The trick is to eat a well-balanced vegetarian diet. Check out our answer to question Vegetarian - How To Eat To Stay Healthy for tips on how to achieve this.
Feeling depressed because you feel so skinny is something that TeenHealthFX recommends you address this issue with your doctor. He or she can evaluate your health and make recommendations for you. You could also benefit from meeting with a nutritionist who could help you implement a healthy vegetarian diet that would satisfy both you and your mother.
Again, TeenHealthFX recommends that you speak with your doctor about feeling so skinny and eating a vegetarian diet. If you do not have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can contact the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973.971.6475 for an appointment. Outside of this area contact your local teen health clinic.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Teens with untreated depression are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, leading to higher rates of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
