Should I Be Concerned With My Current Weight?

Question

I'm 5"6, 144 lbs, and am a 13 year old girl. I have a medium build. I'm no twig that's for sure, but I am concerned with my weight. I have basically no muscal....anywhere. Somedays I'll get on the treadmill (the horror) for 20 minutes, and that's it. But I don't always use that treadmill. Should I be concerned about my weight? If so, what can I do to get it off and keep it off?

I would also like to achieve a flat stomach. Any tips to get that going for me?

Answer 1

Your weight is just fine (you are really tall for a 13 year old!). But it's just not your weight that matters. It's your body fat that's more important. I was in the army and I know this for sure. I'm 28 female, 5'6 1/2 and 165 pounds. Techincally I'm "overweight" But my body fat is 28% which is healthy. This is due to the fact I have more mucle mass, (from doing physical fitness 5 days a week!). A basic way of determining if you need to lose a few pounds is to measure your waist about an inch above your navel. If it's over 36 inches then you might need to lose a few pounds. For females, you can have a body fat % of up to 32% and still be okay. Because everybody's body type is different, so the weight charts in the doctor's office is an "Ideal weight" based on a person's height, age, and gender. If you want to know your body fat for sure check out this site, http://www.pcis.net/gagne/fitness/Entry.htm
This site has a body fat calculator which gives your body fat % from 5 body composition methods (if you use just the tape measure for the results you'll just get 3 results, inculding how much lean mucle and fat you have).
The best way to loose weight is to gain muscle. The most common mistake that females make is that they tend to just do cardio and don't work on their muscle tone. Muscles help burn fat faster, and being female we have more body fat and males have more muscle, so that's why they tend to loose weight faster then females. Don't worry about looking like one of those "female body builders". You'll have to work out for at least a 4 hours a day to start to look like that. A 20 to 30 minute work out on the weights (an hour would be best). Every other day (Do cardio one day and then weights the next day). Most people workout for an an hour, but you only need to do 30 mintues to start to feel the benefits. Also watch your diet. Cut out the sugar and junk food (I know it can be hard). Better yet get in contact with an nutitionist who can help you form a plan for a better diet. Don't forget you're still growing!

Answer 2

I would say to not be concerned about what the scale tells you. If you do you will get caught up in a circle of frustration. Our bodies fluctuate so greatly with weight that it isn't a true measure of our health status. I am 5'1.5" weigh 128 roughly. I should be 108-118 according to the charts. I have 18% body fat and wear a size 3 and look great. Muscle and bones weigh more than fat.

Can you sustain 30min of moderate intensity exercise comfortably? That would be a speed at which you are working 6-7 effort rating on a 1-10 scale. A generaly physical also recommended to clear for any health issues. Exercise doesn't have to be treadmill... anything that keeps your heart rate up for at least 30min... could be dancing to the radio.

Are you eating natural and healthy? Your food intake is what makes the quality of your insides. Keep your foods natural as possible and body weight tends to level off at a healthy level when coupled with moderate exercise 3-4 days a week.

Numbers aren't valid measures to go by. Are you moving enough and eating right?

Answer 3

Your Body Mass Index is a 23. At the age of 13, and female, yours should be about an 18-21, maybe 22. So your are close to being the right weight for your height. Since you are a female and young, I would say it wouldn't hurt you to lose 10 -15 pounds. You could just try staying the same weight and just simply weight, you are still getting taller, so you will soon not be overweight what so ever (I wouldn't really even say that now).

If you want a flat stomache I suggest Cardio, that should burn alot of fat, and some crunches to tone the muscle.

Good Luck.

Answer 4

You're at about the right weight, actually. You might lose a few pounds, but no more than that -- it's unhealthy to be TOO thin, too! It's good to get some exercise, though -- try going for a walk a few times a week, it's a lot more interesting than a boring old treadmill. Or energetically play with your dog, if you have one -- whatever works for you. You shouldn't worry too much about losing weight, but you probably need to streamline a bit and tone up. That'll make you look slimmer and give you a firmer stomach. Simple stretching exercises will help give you a little muscle tone, and don't really feel like the dreaded evil exercise :P

Good luck ;)

Answer 5

Hey, that's a healthy height weight ratio. I'm sure you don't want to hear this, but PLEASE keep in mind that you are still growing: your height, bones, brain and much else. You really need to keep a decent diet (not diet like girls today) to keep physically and mentally healthy. If you want to be physically fit, you don't have to get on the treadmill. There are other ways to keep your heart healthy and feel strong. Do you like to dance, play sports? You just have to move! As far as those abs go. There is soooo not an easy way. Are you up for an ab tape? I purchased one around the age of sixteen and just made a point to do it regularly. before that I started out with 25 situps a day and increased.
Lastly, I know theres always talk of girls talking exercising and body image issues to the extreme, but there is a healthy balance. The important thing is to feel good and comfortable.

Answer 6

I'm 6' (183cm) and weigh 145lbs(66kg). That's the same weight I was before I changed my diet/lifestyle. I'll also add that I did lots of endurance exercise (before/after), so my weight was already at optimum before changing my diet/lifestyle. People used to say to me every time they saw me (after I let it be known that I no longer eat animal products) "Oh, you're so much thinner than last time I saw you." They'd say that every time, although my weight hasn't changed in over twenty years, they still think I get thinner every time they see me. And remember, the BMI has changed a lot over the years. If you compared yourself to the average population in the early 1900s, it will be far different than comparing yourself to the average population of today. Basically, most healthy fit people will appear to be underweight on this stupid chart, especially if you are into endurance fitness. So, the chart really doesn't work unless you are very under or very over weight.

Answer 7

You are fine but 30 minutes of any type of physical activity is always good for you. Always when doing exercise stretch out so that you don't injure yourself. Do cardio like walking, running or jump roping. you can start with 5 pound weights and work your way up.

Answer 8

You should walk. That is a good way to get the weight off. U are fine for your height and age. You are growing.

Answer 9

Your height and weight are fine. However, walking and crunches would help you achieve your goals. Or just go out and PLAY with your friends. Rollerblade, play basketball, or something to stay active. Don't just stay inside and vegetate!

Stay active!

Good luck to you!

Answer 10

You are the ideal weight. You'll have to exercise to get a smooth stomach. You probably look fine anyways.