As a female with past body image issues, let me first tell you that you are not alone. This is a common issue among young women (and older women too, so know that your mom may understand you more than you realize!). You may want to ask yourself why you don't you feel like you look fine. Is it that you don’t weigh what you’d like to weigh? Is it the way you look unclothed? Clothed? What is your definition of a perfect body? We all see the images of thin (and might I add, mostly underweight) women in the popular fashion magazines, movies, television shows, and music videos. Most of these women are too thin for their body type and this makes them unhealthy. Sit down with your parents and let them know that you know they are worried and that you are willing to go to the doctor to discuss your weight issues.
I suggest that you see a doctor who specializes in adolescent medicine (and it’s OK if your pediatrician isn't the right person for you). Ask your parents to wait in the waiting room while you talk to the doctor privately – that way you’ll feel free to talk openly. Before you go, ask yourself some questions:What do I eat each day? How much exercise do I get? What magazines do I read? What television shows do I watch? Your doctor will understand the pressures you feel to look good because these pressures are felt by most, if not all, of his/her patients. Unfortunately, pictures in magazines are airbrushed and we as women continue to compare ourselves to the airbrushed versions of other women. Please consider that your parents do trust you but that body image issues and eating disorders can and do cause people to see themselves differently from what they really look like. In Christina Aguilera's video for Beautiful, the image of the anorexic girl looking in the mirror and not seeing herself as thin is all too real. (And by the way, your parents will never stop worrying about you; just as their parents never stop worrying about them, and just as you will never stop worrying about your own children. While it may be hard to see now, their concern is due to the unbelievable amount of love they have for you.) I also recommend that you check your BMI (body mass index), which takes into consideration your weight and height and gives you an unbiased opinion as to whether you’re considered under-weight, at a good weight for your height, or overweight. Keep in mind, though, that your BMI will not necessarily indicate that the manner in which you’re getting to your weight is a healthy one. And remember, unhealthy eating habits or unhealthy weight changes can stress your heart
…and a healthy heart is something you need to live a wonderful, long life. To find out what your BMI is, log on to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website at www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/

Jill Rosenthal, MD, MPH
Physician