Teens and Eating Disorders

Adolescent Food Guide Pyramid

Links, Addresses and Books

Signs & Symptoms

Commonly Asked Questions

Which Teenager is the healthiest?

How do I know if I am underweight?

Body Mass Index (BMI) uses a person's weight and height to determine the risk of illness. A BMI between 20 and 25 is considered healthiest. A person with a BMI less than 20 or greater than 25 has a greater risk of illness. But, keep in mind that whether your weight is healthy depends on the location of fat, the percentage of fat in your body, and any signs and symptoms of disease or illness associated with the current body weight. (source: "Healthy Weight, Healthy You", American Dietetic Association)

You can use the table below to determine your BMI.

Significantly Underweight by BMI

BMI      20  21   22   23   24   25   26  27   28   29  30

Height                           Weight

4'10    95 100 105 110 114 124 129 133 138 143

4"11    99 104 109 114 119 124 129 134 144 149

5"      102 107 112 117 122 127 132 138 143 148 153

5'1"   106 111 117 122 127 132 138 143 148 154 159

5'2"   109 114 120 125 130 136 141 147 152 158 163

5'3"   113 119 124 130 135 141 147 152 158 164 169

5'4"   117 123 129 135 141 146 152 158 164 170 176

5'5"   120 126 132 138 144 150 156 162 168 174 180

5'6"   124 131 137 143 149 156 162 168 174 180 187

5'7"  127 134 140 147 153 159 166 172 178 185 191

5'8"  132 139 145 152 158 165 172 178 185 191 198

5'9"  135 142 149 155 162 169 176 182 189 196 203

5'10" 140 147 154 161 168 175 182 189 196 203 210

5'11" 143 150 157 164 171 179 186 193 200 207 214

6'     148 155 162 170 177 185 192 199 207 214 221

6'1"  151 158 166 174 181 189 196 204 211 219 226

6'2"  156 164 171 179 187 195 203 210 218 226 234

What is an eating disorder?

Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are the most common types of eating disorders. Anorexics starve themselves and deny hunger. They are obsessed with food, weight, and thinness. Bulimics binge eat, or take in a lot of food in a very short period of time. After the binge, they intentionally vomit, use laxatives, diuretics, or vigorously exercise to prevent weight gain.

Why do teenagers develop disorders?

There are many reasons why people may develop an eating disorder. A lot of times, the causes of eating disorders have little to do with food. Eating disorders usually develop at a stressful time in a person's life. The person usually has low self-esteem. There may also be problems at home or school.

Why do some athletes develop disorders?

Sometimes wrestlers, runners, gymnasts, and other kinds of athletes develop eating disorders. The coach or peers may pressure athletes to lose weight. As a result of the peer pressure, the athlete restricts their calorie intake to prevent weight gain. However, athletes have to realize that in order for them to perform well, they need to have adequate energy supplies obtained from a well balanced diet for them to endure longer in sporting events.

What is the best way for me to lose weight?

Eating low-fat foods and exercising at least three times a week for about 30 minutes will help you look and feel great. Common forms of exercise include walking, swimming, biking, and jogging. By following the American Food Guide Pyramid found at www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/food/food-pyramid/main.htm, you should get an adequate amount of nutrients.

Why does the media contribute?

Today's society teaches us that you have to be very thin to be beautiful. Magazines have to airbrush the models, in order to make them thin enough. In real life, the models are not as thin as their own pictures in magazines. We need to remember that it is not healthy to be as thin as models. Because genetics play a role in our body structure and weight, it is not possible for most of us to look like a model.

How can I help a friend that I think may have an eating disorder?

Talk to your friend and express concern for his/her health. Help your friend find someone to talk to, such as a counselor, school nurse, or doctor. They are there to help. Your friend should not be embarrassed to talk to a counselor or nurse, because eating disorders are common and counselors and nurses know how to help. You can also let the friend know that he/she is not alone.

Should I smoke cigarettes to lose weight?

No. A smoker has a better chance than a nonsmoker of developing cancer, heart disease, and respiratory problems. Smokers also have less energy and endurance. In addition, the senses of taste and smell are lessened by smoking. Smoking may reduce a person's hunger, but the negative effects can not be ignored.

Can diet pills be harmful?

Yes. Many over-the-counter diet pills contain an ingredient that may increase the risk of having a stroke, even in young people. That is why some diet products are labeled as for adults only. Diet products should also be avoided because they may suppress the appetite. Teenagers are still growing, and they need adequate nutrients. If teenagers do not get enough calories, their growth will slow down.

Interesting Tidbits

85% of American women are not satisfied with their weight.

5-10% of cases of anorexia and bulimia are in men.

10% of anorexia cases leads to death.

More than 5 million people in the United States suffer from eating disorders.

Most bulimics are at or above a healthy body weight.

Julia Roberts' actual legs were not used in the film Pretty Woman, because they were not thin enough.