Expert: Leigh-Anne Persing, PA-C - 2/27/2007

Question
Hi Leigh-Ann. I decided to write to you for your opinion...Ive always been very skinny, but since last Spring, Ive put on a little weight. My mom always mentions this to me and warns me to eat healthier. I know shes doing it out of good, but sometimes I feel she'll overdo it. Im not overweight (Im 5'3, 105 pounds) I dont know, I think it was more my insecurities that led me to make myself throw up about 2 months ago..I did it like 3 or 4 times and thats all. I havent done it since. I guess I was just expirementing with it.I admit Ive become a little insecure about my body, but not severely. I dont believe I have an eating disorder, but sometimes I get really insecure and just want to stop eating but I never go that far in reality. Ive been thinking and I believe I have this fear of growing up and developing into a women mentally and physically...and even now I want to get rid of a little extra body weight for that reason, not because I want to be severely skinny or anything. Maybe this will pass with time, but do you think I need to some professional help if its that serious? Or is this normal for teenage girls? Thankyou

Answer
It is normal for teenage girls to start paying more attention to their bodies. Sometimes that turns into a problem and sometimes it doesn't. I think it depends on the environment/peers and the girls upbringing. You would not be diagnosed as having an eating disorder. Your weight is definitely in the healthy range. For a height of 5'3" a healthy weight range for you would be 103.5-126.5. Can you speak to your school counselor about the body image feelings you are having?