Size, Shape & Weight

> There is a lot of pressure on EVERYBODY to be slim.
> This can lead to too little eating, too much dieting and lots of stress.
> We are often impressed by images of beauty from the media and fashion world, but in reality we are all born with different sizes and shapes.
> We are all larger, smaller, fatter or thinner than the next person.
> Being very overweight or underweight can carry health risks, so it is helpful to know what the ‘healthy weight’ is for your size and shape. But, again, every one is different and so the weight at which you feel comfortable AND healthy will be personal to you.

> The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of size, which takes account of a person’s weight and height. It is measured by dividing your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in metres (ie: [weight (kilograms)/height (metres)2].

> A healthy BMI is 20-25.
> An overweight person has a BMI of 25-30.
> An obese person has a BMI over 30.
> A BMI of 18-20 indicates that you are thin.
> A BMI below 18 means you are undernourished.

So, for example, someone who is 150 cm (five feet-ish) tall should weigh roughly 44 - 51 kilos (7 to 8 stone) to have a healthy BMI.
Someone who is 180 cm (six feet-ish) tall should weigh roughly 70- 76 kilos (11 to 12 stone) to have a healthy, normal BMI.

> Good, healthy, varied eating and regular exercise together can help make you feel better about your body shape and feel better in yourself.
> If you are worried or depressed about your weight, talk to somebody you feel comfortable with. Don’s suffer in silence.
> Eating healthily means feeling healthy and a healthy and balanced diet in childhood can reduce the risk of anaemia and dental decay. In the longer term, it can help to prevent ill health later in life, reducing the risk of heart disease, obesity, stroke and some cancers.

Links:
www.mindbodysoul.gov.uk

Need2know - Produced by the DfES - a first stop shop for 13-19 yr olds for everything in life including health.
www.need2know.co.uk

Eat Well - information for teenagers on health and fitness, diet including and online BMI calculator for 16+.
www.eatwell.gov.uk

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