Healthy Weight

Young people growing up are going through lots of fast physical changes.

Their height, size, weight and body shape changes so quickly that it is easy to feel uncomfortable.

You are not alone!

Most young people find that growing up and getting bigger causes problems, e.g.

• Putting on weight
• Feeling clumsy and awkward
• Changes to your body shape

Some problems get better on their own. But there are lots of things you can do to help, as well.

Related: Exercise, Healthy Eating

Weight and fat

All teenagers put on weight. It is part of growing up and getting bigger. But some people find they put on a lot of weight, which can cause problems in later life. This might happen if you eat too much sugary, fatty food, or if you do no exercise.

This can cause problems like:

• Feeling hot or short of breath if you have to do any exercise
• Problems getting around
• Unhappiness, depression, feeling down
• Increased risk of some serious health problems, e.g. diabetes

Take action: Get more exercise, try a sport, walk or bike more

Losing weight

Other young people feel pressure in society to be thin, or are worried about the changes their bodies are going through. This might lead them to diet heavily or over-exercise. They may become underweight or even develop eating disorders.

This can cause problems like:

• Feeling tired and exhausted
• Problems finding energy
• Unhappiness, depression, feeling down
• Increased risk of some serious health problems, e.g. osteoporosis

Related: Eating disorders

Is there a problem?

Some people have no problems with their weight and body shape. Other people find it hard to keep their weight and shape healthy. We don't know why this is, but everyone can help themselves become more healthy:

• DO eat nutritious food
• DO get regular exercise
• DON'T overeat
• DON'T crash diet

Key link: www.nhs.uk/change4life

Health at every size

People find out if they are overweight by comparing their height with their weight. This is called your BMI or Body Mass Index. This gives you a rough idea of what your ideal weight should be. However, this is only a rough guideline, and is known to be unreliable, especially for teenagers.

• Check your BMI on NHS Direct

If you are classified as underweight, overweight, or obese, don't panic! Most people are overweight or underweight at some points in their life. No matter what size or shape you are, you can be fit and healthy. There are types of exercise that are suitable for everyone.

• Find a regular activity you enjoy, e.g. swimming, walking, dancing, running
• Try and build some activities into the day, e.g. running upstairs or watering the garden
• Eat healthy food, not too much

If you are very overweight or very underweight, or if your weight suddenly changes, you should see your GP. This could be a sign of serious illness.

Someone to talk to

If you're worried about your weight or eating habits, you can talk to a nurse or adviser at your local Bodyzone or SHADE. They can help you.

 

Links

These websites will help you find health advice and services:

• NHS Direct
  Health advice and information 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
• Teenage Health Freak
  Teen health worries answered by the teenage health freak, plus Dr Ann's virtual surgery
• Teen Life Check
  How healthy are you? Check with the NHS online lifecheck tool

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