When people list their flaws, I always think that everyone has too many, including me. When I talk to some of my friends they say they hate their weight and want to be thinner. When I try to help them feel better they say I could never understand because I am naturally skinny. I understand very well. My friends might say they are on the overweight side of the bunch but I am on a side too. The side classified as underweight.
Some of you know your BMI or body mass index. When I take my BMI I always go to a child/teen one from (http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/. I am normally healthy when I take my BMI. The site gives you a percent with your BMI to help you know where you are at with your weight. Zero to five is underweight, six to eighty-five is healthy, eighty-six to ninety-five is overweight, and anywhere over ninety-five is obese.
I started taking my BMI when I was twelve. I was always at the low part of healthy, but it didn't bother me. From then I have only gained three pounds, but grew three inches as well. Two weeks ago I found I had finally reached 5'5. I got on the scale at ninety-two pounds and then took my BMI. When I answered all the things they asked me to I went into shock. I was underweight. Shown at the fourth percentile, I am now considered underweight. I never thought I could come to this eating and exercising the way I do. I just don't understand how this could ever happen.
At that point I was done being skinny. I was going to gain as much weight as I could so I could be normal again. I tried eating all the junk food I could find, but it wasn't working. My body was in control. It was winning the battle of staying skinny and I was failing. Every time I tried to over eat and gain weight, I ended up feeling awful and sick. I needed help. I don't know if this is a problem but it still just scares me. I'm not starving myself. I'm not doing anything wrong. Just eating.
I knew when I wanted to talk to someone I could never talk to my friends because they thought I was perfect. I didn't want to ask my mom because she is on the overweight side of the deal. I definitely didn't inherit that. My younger brother is big for his age, but not in an overweight way. It seems like he is growing faster than weeds right now. Then there is my dad, the picture of health. He works out all the time, eats everything he is suppose to like fruits and vegetables. He is amazing in my eyes. Boy, was I wrong.
Now being the day it is, I finally decided to talk to my dad. I now know something big. It seems like a secret to me despite how minor it really is. Even though he looks healthy, my dad is underweight just like me. He gave me some good advice and things to think about. He told me to stay as healthy as possible by still eating the way I do, even if I splurge and have that cupcake or eat too many cherries and exercise the way I do to meet my goals. He even told me girls would kill to look like me. Can you believe that? I am modest at times like this and normally tell myself that it could never be true. My dad just helped me feel better. I am finally realizing how lucky I am. There is always something to be thankful for in the world. It doesn't have to be your weight. It could be your gorgeous eyes, your lovely legs, even how you seem to brighten up a room with personality. You just have to look for it. You're all beautiful.
~ IKnewIt2
Editor's Note: We have all struggled with our weight at some point in our lives, and as pointed out in this article, what is important is to continue to strive to be healthy. Everyone's body is different, but we all have nutritional needs that we should try to meet. If you are struggling with your weight, whether that be under or over, ask your parents and talk to your family physician or school nurse on ways to live a healthier life. Together we can all become healthier and happier.
