Compare your daughter's Body Mass Index (BMI) with the numbers on this chart to see what percentile her BMI-for-age falls into.
Girl's Weight Status Should Be Determined By Individual Examination
Even if a girl's weight falls between the 5th and 85th percentiles, this does not necessarily mean that she has a healthy weight. Your child's weight status should be assessed by your doctor on the basis of individual examinations conducted over time. This method is required to allow for growth spurts which may otherwise skew her BMI-for-age.
Young Girls Prone to Eating Disorders
Young girls with weight problems need sympathetic treatment, as they can often develop disordered eating patterns during adolescence and teenage years. Eating disorders, like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating, are becoming increasingly prevalent throughout western countries. According to US estimates from The National Institute of Mental Health, between 5 per cent and 10 per cent of girls and women (i.e. 5-10 million people) suffer from eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, or other associated dietary conditions. Estimates suggest that as many as 15 percent of young women adopt unhealthy attitudes and behaviors about food.
See also: Exercise
Boosts Teenage Weight Loss - Teen
Weight Loss Methods
Teenage Eating Disorders - Teenage
Anxiety About Body Shape - Eating Disorders
Guide