Anxious on Being Too Skinny Young Woman
Q: I am a 20 year old girl and I am gonna be 21 next month. My problem is that instead of being 20 years old, my body is like a 13-14 years old girl. My height is about 5’4 and weight is about 43 kg. My diet is normal. I don’t even look mature by face and by body as well. I am too slim. What could be a problem with me? Is there something wrong with my hormones? Also What should I do to look better and to gain some weight?
Reply:
It’s alright if you are slim. Are you having normal menstrual periods? If yes, your hormones are working well.
If you are still worried about your hormones, you may get their levels checked up (blood test) and get assured.
Add some fat and carbohydrate to your diet to get a little chubby. Like, if you eat a single slice of bread, make it two with butter smeared on it. Take milk, cheese and other dairy products. They are good for girls in this age group. Don’t overdo, there is no harm in being slim.
Take Care,
Buddy M.D.
Thank you doctor. I eat a lot. I mean I don’t think that there is any problem with my diet. And my menstrual periods are also normal. There can be a gap of 3-4 days at max sometimes, but otherwise it’s OK.
My parents didn’t had this type of problem so I don’t think that there is any genetic problem. My younger sister is also having the same problem but even then she looks better then me.
Can you please suggest me some natural ways of getting a little better because I really look like a small child. I’m gonna be 21 years next month. And I wanna look a little mature by body and by face as well.
This doesn’t sound like a medical problem. May be you need a make over. For instance, things like changing your hairstyle, dressing and enhancing your features with make up.
See, what I’m trying to say is that there is a difference between body shape of a girl child and a woman. When a girl is about 16-18 years of age, then there occurs many changes in her body like menstrual periods, developing of different body parts like breast.
I’m trying to say that my body has not fully developed like a 21 yr old woman. Don’t you think 43 kg weight is too low for a 21 yr old person?
43 Kg is definitely low for you. You weight should at least cross 50 Kg.
Such situations are commonly encountered in your age group. Girls may face eating disorders like anorexia nervosa etc. Hormonal problems are also pretty common.
But since you are eating well and your menses are normal, you cannot be grouped under any of these. May be it’s just that your metabolic rate is high, and you’re burning all your calories. You need to increase your diet to put on extra weight.
A good physical exam is necessary for any further comment. This is our limitation.
OK. Thank you so much doctor 🙂
You are always welcome.