Should I Gain Weight?

Sometimes people worry about the size of their body. Kids who are very thin sometimes wonder if they should gain weight, especially if they have friends the same age who weigh more.

It’s important to realize that people come in different shapes and sizes, and some are thin.

Why Do Some Kids Weigh Less?

Here are a few reasons why some kids don't weigh as much as their friends:

• They're short for their age. If you're not too tall, there's less of you — at least vertically (up and down). That means fewer pounds when you step on the scale.
• They're small-framed, which is sometimes called "small-boned." A person with a smaller frame usually has a smaller wrist and might have trouble finding a watch that's not too big!
• They haven’t gone through puberty yet. During puberty, it's normal for kids to grow a lot and gain weight, too.
• Their parents are short, small-framed, or thin people. You get all your genes from your parents and some of those genes control your body size.
• They’ve always been thin. Some kids have just always been thin, and as they grow, they continue to be thin.

What If I Get Teased About My Weight?

Being teased is one reason thin kids sometimes want to add pounds. It's never fun to be picked on. If this happens to you, talk to an adult who can help. You might also rehearse what you’ll say back to someone who teases you. Don't insult anyone, but maybe try saying, "That's just the way I am. Everyone is different." Having friends who back you up can help you feel braver and less alone.

Remember that kids who tease you are often doing so because they’re unhappy about themselves. Those who make fun of your weight may be feeling bad about their own weight. That doesn’t mean you should make fun of them back, but it may help to remind them that it’s okay to be different sizes. If you can stay calm and not fight back, the person who’s picking on you will probably stop.

What Else Should I Know About Being Thin?

Trying to gain weight by eating lots of extra calories is usually a bad idea. It can make you feel sick and may not be what your body needs to stay healthy. If you’re worried that you’re too small, talk to your parents. They can help figure out whether you should see your doctor.

Sometimes a health problem can keep a kid from gaining weight. A kid who is not growing well, is losing weight, or has other problems like belly pain or diarrhea, should see a doctor. If you do need to gain weight, there are healthy ways to do it.

The best advice for all kids is to eat healthy foods, get enough sleep, and get plenty of exercise. While some people use exercise to lose weight, that doesn’t mean you should avoid it! It’s good for all kids to get lots of exercise to build strong bones and muscles and to have enough energy.