Over the past 30 years, obesity in children and teens has increased rapidly. Currently over 1 in 3 children and teenagers are either classified as overweight or obese, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. With these rates continuing to rise, parents frequently question if their teen girls are at an appropriate weight. Several factors determine the average weight of a teen girl including hormones, BMI and energy expenditure.
Hormones
Hormones aid in transforming a teen girls body. Teen girls go through a period, of rapid height growth, usually occurs between 10 and 14 years of age. They grow taller, develop breasts and develop fuller hips. During this time, a teen girl’s bone composition, body fat content and distribution changes will naturally increase based on hormones and genetics.
Body Mass Index
The average weight of a teen girl can vary from year to year, until 20 years of age. The ideal weight for a teen girl is based on age, height, build and body fat percentage. Body Mass Index or BMI is not a diagnostic tool. BMI does not directly measure body fat. The determination of excess fat can only be determined by your teens healthcare provider via further testing.
Energy In and Out
It is important to talk to your teen girl about healthy body image and weight. The CDC reports that reaching and sustaining a healthy body weight for teen girls includes eating a well-balanced diet, maintaining regular exercise and creating good eating habits. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends teen girls consume 2,200 calories per day, with 650 calories derived from fat, and exercise 20 to 30 minutes every day to maintain a healthy body.
Sources:
American Academy of Pediatrics: How Teens Can Stay Fit
American Academy of Pediatrics: Number of Servings a Day for Teenagers
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: About Child & Teen BMI
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Childhood Obesity Facts
