Print This Article

NUTRITION HOTLINE

Reprinted from Eating Disorders Today
By Diane Keddy, MS, RD
Spring 2002 Volume 1, Number 2
©2002 Gürze Books

Determining a 'Healthy Weight'

Q: I am 19, 5'9" and weigh 130 lb. According to my physician, I'm too thin, but I think I'm just right for my height. How can I convince her that this is the best weight for me? How do you decide what the right weight is for a person like me? (Megan T.)

A: An individual's healthy body weight is determined by a variety of factors, including height and body type. Based on your height of 5'9," a healthy weight range could be 130 lb to 159 lb. For women, other factors that need to be considered include whether or not you are able to menstruate and ovulate normally at 130 lb, and whether or not you are able to consume a diet that gives you adequate nutrition at this weight. Your physician will be able to help you figure out if you are menstruating normally, and can also examine your diet and determine if you are eating enough calories, protein, fat, and vitamins and minerals to be healthy at this weight. Your physician can help you determine what your minimum healthy weight would be.

Periods-Who Needs Them Anyway?

Q: Since I've lost quite a bit of weight, I don't have periods any more. I don't plan to have any children anytime soon, so why should I worry about this? (Brittany G.)

A: Amenorrhea, which means absence of menstruation, is frequently caused by excessive weight loss and is a sign that your body is not functioning normally. Although it may be convenient not to have menstrual periods, your body's inability to make the reproductive hormones necessary for menstruation can cause health problems. Osteoporosis (low bone density) is caused by amenorrhea, and it can lead to debilitating fractures and severe chronic pain in the spine at any age. It is also possible that amenorrhea at a young age can cause infertility later in life. Sufficient body weight, healthy eating, and regular, moderate exercise are all necessary for a woman to have normal menstruation and fertility.

Vegetarian Diets: Do They Provide Enough Nutrition?

Q: I am a vegetarian and will not eat meat of any kind. My therapist thinks I am undernourished and hurting my health by avoiding meat, milk, and eggs. I think this is the healthiest way to live. Who is right? (Thanks, Anne W.)

A: Your therapist has raised some valid concerns. Vegetarian diets can be healthy with careful planning, but research has found they are often lacking in adequate nutrition. A recent study compared the diets of lacto-ovo-vegetarian teenage girls who consumed milk and eggs, and the diets of teenage girls who consumed all foods, including meat. Only 17% of the lacto-ovo-vegetarian girls consumed adequate protein in their diets, and 83% did not take in enough calcium. The vegetarian girls also consumed too little iron, riboflavin, and niacin. Protein, calcium, iron and B vitamins are essential for good health at any age. I suggest you consult with a registered dietitian, who will assess your diet and determine if you are lacking in any essential nutrients. You can get these vitamins/minerals from other foods besides animal foods. Vegetarians need to be conscientious about filling their diets with these nutrients. There are numerous non-animal foods, such as soy products and legumes (beans, for example) that are excellent sources of protein. If you continue being vegan, you probably need to be taking a vitamin B-12 supplement, and would probably benefit from a multivitamin and mineral supplement as well.

Diane Keddy, MS, RD, is a registered dietitian with a private practice in Newport Beach, CA.

click here to order
Eating Disorders Today!

Discounts Available for AED and IAEDP Members
or
Call 1-800-756-7533 to order
We accept Visa, Mastercard, and American Express

Read More Articles From Eating Disorders Today

Additional Resources:
Medication for Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa
Men now falling victim to eating disorders - USAToday.com article
Monitoring Appetite Instead of Food May Reduce Food Preoccupation
National Conference Aims to Increase Awareness of Eating Disorders
Night Eating Syndrome: A Unique Eating Disorder