[brokenwingsflying]

A close family member, a girl, weighs 147 pounds (10.5 stone and 66kg.. i think) at 5'2 height. I've told her this isn't right but she refuses to believe me.. I guess I just kinda want some conformation that this isn't healthy.. thanks

[yellowted]

when i was younger (20 years ago) i was 5'2 tall, weighed 9stone 6lb and my BMI came out as grossly obese, yet i had not an ounce of fat on my body, I cycled 20 miles every day, ran around after toddlers in a three story house, swam 8 miles every weekend, rock climbed and absailed whenever i could, i was very fit! My GP could not believe the results as she had done the test to see if i was underweight! now however, I would love to get down to that weight! in my opinion it is not a bad weight for her height, especially if she is well toned, but it is the top end of what i would class as normal weight. Also it depends on her genes, some people carry more weigh naturally than others and we all put on a few pounds as we get older too. if she is active, eats healthily and is not always unwell and is happy within herself then give her a break. remember that muscles weigh more than fat so weight is not always an indicator of obesity.

[Suki22]

you can't tell how healthy a person is by looking at a scale. there are plenty of thin people who are much unhealthier than overweight people. please don't judge her and just *telling* (ie shaming) her isn't going to motivate her. it may make matters worse for her if you make her feel badly.

if you are truly concerned for her (and not just trying to prove her wrong) consider doing something positive for her. is she getting exercise? if not, suggest taking a walk with her. cook her a healthy meal and turn her onto new foods. just don't tell her what you're up to or you could damage her psyche. nothing feels worse than having a skinny person say "just quit eating crap and exercise." I know from experience.

please be kind to her.