The GL guide to getting healthy: go ahead, throw us a question about that gorgeous bod of yours. We've got all the answers right here. We'll teach you how to understand, take care of and—yes!—even love the body you've got

Girls' Life, June-July, 2003 by Kristen Kemp

Whew! When we went online and asked readers to toss us their biggest body questions, we were bombarded. Not surprisingly, a lot of girls have worries about their bodies--mostly about how much teens should weigh, what they should eat, how they ought to look. We don't blame girls for being confused. There are lots of conflicting body messages floating around out there. Here's the good news: Armed with up-to-date info, you can feel a lot more empowered inside and out. We've put together this mini-handbook to help you understand, take care of and appreciate that awesome bod of yours. Here's the naked truth on being body smart....

WHAT IS IT?

Don't be scared! Fat isn't a bad, evil substance. It's your body's main source of energy and you must have it to live, explains Martica Heaner, exercise physiologist and co-author of Cross-Training for Dummies. We all store fat (er, body fuel) in deposits around our tummies, thighs and other places. When you need energy, that's, what you automatically use! And it takes energy to do anything from running to IMing. Not surprisingly, some people store more fat than others--usually because they take in more fuel than their bodies can use.

Now, about the fat we eat...It's a necessary nutrient, just like protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Your body needs fat in foods to help you absorb vitamins A, D, E and K--and, well, to make stuff taste yummy!

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU'RE FAT?

It's too bad everyone worries so much about weight. When we asked CL readers about body concerns, their most frequent questions were along the lines of, "Am I fat?"

Our advice is to worry more about health than appearance. After all, people who are slightly overweight live longer than skinny folks. The best way to get an idea of your overall health? Calculate your Body Mass Index, a ratio of height to weight. Do this by dividing your weight (in pounds) by your height (in inches) squared. Multiply the total by 705, or go to www.halls.md/body-mass-index/bmi.htm and' use the calculator. A healthy BMI is between 19 and 22.

If it's above 25, you're at risk for childhood diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers. A lower BMI puts you at risk for other probs, like anemia. Some experts warn that BMI is an outdated way to figure out if you're healthy, so just use it to get an idea of where you stand. For the most accurate evaluation, see your doctor.

BUT MAYBE I JUST HAYEDABY FAT! HOW DO I KNOW?

So what if your cheeks are chubby? They've always been! There's no need' to worry about a, weight problem unless you've very suddenly changed sizes., If you're the same as always, it's probably plain old genetic ,baby fat. Usually, you can tell the difference by, the way your clothes fit. Is the waist of your jeans tighter and righter?

If you're growing out (signaling a weight problem) instead of up (which is normal), you could be on your way to being overweight. Also, if your BMI is over 28, it's probably not baby fat. Ask your doctor for tips on shedding pounds and staying healthy.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BEING FAT...AND OBESE?

Overweight simply means you weigh more than other girls your age and build. Obese means you carry too much fat, are about 20 percent above your ideal weight and have a BMI over 30. Nearly one in five kids is considered obese, but this term often sets off negative body image signals. Be aware of the definitions, but don't let them weigh you down!

No rock-solid abs? No worries!

Blame it on Britney. She's lucky as far as having fab abs. But the truth is, most of us have poochy (like Pink!) little bellies no matter what we do, "Whether you're thin or overweight, everyone stores fat in different places," Martica explains. "And where you store yours--your belly, thighs, breasts or butt--is pretty much determined by genetics." So if a thick middle runs in the family, you can do crunches til the cows come home, and your body will still move the fat to that exact same spot. Meanwhile, there are those blessed few females who have naturally non-existent rummies. But before you gel all jealous, know that they have fat stores elsewhere, like on their hips or butts. The key to staying lean all over is to get enough exercise and eat healthfully. So belly up to your natural body type, and learn to love it as is.

The Skinny on skinny

A small percentage of girls are naturally rail thin (thanks, Mom and Dad). Sadly, these gals beat up on their bodies, too. They worry that they're too bony, awkward, lanky or boyish. They also field comments from people wondering how they stay so thin or falsely accusing them of having eating disorders.

"If a girl eats normally and isn't trying to stay thin in any way, then her body type is genetic," Martica explains. If you're naturally thin, you might fill out a little more after puberty, but then again, maybe not. If you're determined to bulk up, certain exercises, like pushups, pull-ups and squats, can help give you muscle-y curves. Otherwise, you can't do much but learn to love your lankiness.