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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is It To Be Concern About Been Underweight During Teenage?

Hi!! I am just wondering if other normal teens who are around 13-15 have body image problems because I have a lot. What is considered an underweight BMI for me? My height is 5 1 and I know all under 18.5 but even then people around my age are healthy and have underweight BMI s. Mine is an unhealthy 16.3 but would normal teens with that BMI be considered underweight as well or also healthy? Thanks!
Mon, 17 Nov 2014
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Dietitian & Nutritionist,  's  Response
It is quite common for teenagers to have weight concerns and a distorted perception of their body as they are going through a critical phase of growth in life with a transition from childhood to adulthood. We all are born with different physiques, some have a lean appearance, some are curvaceous while some have a muscular built. Health is determined not by weight alone as some people have a higher metabolism which makes it difficult for them to gain weight no matter how much they eat while some struggle to lose weight due to slow metabolism inspite of low food intake. BMI classification in my opinion, does not hold good for growing children and teenagers. Also BMI is not an indicator of fat mass. Some people with high BMI are healthy and active as they have more muscle mass/heavy bones instead of fat mass. So BMI cannot be used as a reliable measure for determining health.

Stay focused on healthy eating and an active lifestyle. Be positive as no one but you can make yourself feel good about your body.
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Is It To Be Concern About Been Underweight During Teenage?

It is quite common for teenagers to have weight concerns and a distorted perception of their body as they are going through a critical phase of growth in life with a transition from childhood to adulthood. We all are born with different physiques, some have a lean appearance, some are curvaceous while some have a muscular built. Health is determined not by weight alone as some people have a higher metabolism which makes it difficult for them to gain weight no matter how much they eat while some struggle to lose weight due to slow metabolism inspite of low food intake. BMI classification in my opinion, does not hold good for growing children and teenagers. Also BMI is not an indicator of fat mass. Some people with high BMI are healthy and active as they have more muscle mass/heavy bones instead of fat mass. So BMI cannot be used as a reliable measure for determining health. Stay focused on healthy eating and an active lifestyle. Be positive as no one but you can make yourself feel good about your body.