Is my daughter underweight? - Children's Health Message Board

kylee · 07-29-2002, 09:45 AM

Hi everyone. Just like everyone here I have a question/concern about my child. My daughter is 14 years old and going into high school. She's about 5'3'' and weights in at 89-90 pounds. Is she underweight for her age and height? And if so, what should her weight me? Thanks in advance.

-Kylee

Nicksmom · 07-29-2002, 10:43 AM

she's a little underweight....but then again at fourteen, she should have a good metabalism and she's growing so she could have a hard time adding weight. As long as she's eating healthy, and not trying to lose weight, and skipping meals, I wouldn't stress over it.

Jay Tor · 07-30-2002, 05:39 PM

Has she hit puberty yet? If her weight is too low, pubescence may be delayed. If she's just become pubescent, she may gain weight soon.

Something else to review is how she normally grows. Most kids grow in spurts - some put on weight then shoot up; others shoot up then put on weight.

Xanthic411 · 08-07-2002, 10:53 PM

I feel your daughters pain!! I am 14.. about 5'5 and i weight 89-90.. im gonna go to a doctor in FL about it, and i'll tell you what it says.. I am DYING to gain weight! I'm so sick of people calling me anorexic, and that i might break and stuff.

VAmom31 · 08-10-2002, 10:52 PM

As long as your daughter is healthy, I wouldn't worry about her weight. Is she eating healthy? Does she have plenty of energy or is she tired or lethargic a lot? Are her hair and nails healthy? Does she skip meals or say she's not hungry at mealtime?

With her height and age, it doesn't sound to me like you have much to worry about, but it can only be beneficial to get her a checkup with her doctor.