[Blinkgurl]

I wanted to know everyones opinion on a healthy weight for me. I am 14 and 5 feet 2 inches tall. I weigh 134 lbs. How much weight should I lose?

[Arabella]

Hi Blinkgurl,

You probably shouldn't lose any weight. According to the charts, you should weigh between 108 and 143 pounds, depending on frame size. At 14, you may have a little extra weight on that is going to be used to fuel a growth spurt. This often happens in the early teen years. Dieting is not a healthy habit to get into -- especially for someone who doesn't have a weight problem. It's more likely to lead to one! Hope this helps.

babette

[Jane]

I totally agree with Babette! Your weight sounds perfectly fine for your height and age. If you want to be heathier, how about eating more veggies and fruit if you aren't already getting lots? I bet your mom would be glad to stock up on them. My 15 year old wanted to diet, until I helped her realize all she needs is to tone up some muscles (like her mother, she sits at a computer too much.)

Don't let the models in the magazines you read make you feel fat. They are not the norm, hon, and most of them have their trouble spots air-brushed away. That is not real life!

Have a great summer and just enjoy your youth!
Jana

[Amarantha2]

I agree with everyone else ... the BMI chart shows you are already at a healthy weight. If you feel you're not, you can exercise your way to perfection. And I couldn't agree more about not worrying about models in magazines ... either they are air-brushed or they at unhealthy weights. Whatever anyone ever tells you, achieving and maintaining a healthy body is what is attractive and it is always in style.

But the good news, IMO, is that the trend seems to be going back to larger, more fit bodies, rather than everybody having to struggle to be sizes that are not normal for them. Some people are thinner than other people, some people are larger than other people. You are at a size that is just right for you. If people tell you not to eat because THEY are uncomfortable with their weight or whatever, those are just lies. They tell those lies because they don't know any better, but you do. You know you are perfectly shaped and healthy and no one should ever be able to tell you otherwise.

Although I know she is hugely older than you, look at Christie Brinkley. In her life, she's become one of the most successful supermodels ever, yet people used to say she was too "big."

I hope I look just like her when I grow up!