Quiz the Coach - I'm Overweight For My Age

So ya dig sports but need some help with your game? Don't understand some of the rules of football, basketball or hockey? Got a gripe about P.E. class, skateboarders, cheerleading, coaches, or anything? Why not ?

Hey Coach,
Hey coach, I am overweight for my age and I am actually really active but we aren't what you would call "rich." We can't afford to take dance lessons, kickboxing, team sports, etc. I like to run a lot but it just isn't doing it. What can I do?
hhcheergurl

Hey hhcheergurl

Your age doesn't determine how much you should weigh. There's not really any "right weight" for a 13 year old. People have different body types - some are more muscular or more developed. As teenagers go through puberty, the amount of muscle, fat and bone in their body can change dramatically. As your body goes through physical changes, it's normal for you to gain some weight. This isn't unhealthy - it's just an uncomfortable side effect of puberty.

So, before you start worrying about being "overweight for your age" - check in with your doctor or a school nurse. A more accurate way of figuring out if you're overweight is by seeing if your weight is right for your height and body type. This kind of measurement is called the Body Mass Index, which estimates how much body fat a person has based on his or her weight and height. For more info on the BMI, click here.

As long as you exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet, you shouldn't need to worry about being overweight. It's too bad that the costs of certain programs means some kids are able to participate in activities while others aren't - but you don't need to be "rich" to stay active. It doesn't cost anything to go for a walk or a jog. If you're getting bored of running there's many other low-cost ways to get in shape like jumping rope, dribbling a basketball or kicking a soccerball around with some friends. You can also talk to your P.E. teacher (hopefully, you have a P.E. program at your school), and see what sports programs might be available to you at the school or in your community for free.

Do you need tips or advice on sports, fitness or health? to the Kidzworld Coach. Keep in mind peeps, the Kidzworld Coach isn't a doctor or a professional athlete or anything like that. He's just a dude who digs sports, plays 'em and knows a lot about 'em. You should always talk to your 'rents, a doctor or your school gym teacher before starting a new sport or a new exercise.

Related Stories:

• Aerobics 101
• Eating and Exercise Trivia
• Celebrity Workouts - How The Stars Stay In Shape
• More Health and Fitness Advice