Weight loss is a complex subject. While millions of people are overweight, millions of young girls and, to a lesser number, boys are experiencing anorexia, bulimia, and other eat disorders. While weight loss can be a very beneficial and necessary process, it can also turn into something horrible that affects millions and can even cause death. Knowing when you need to lose weight and when you do not is important in maintaining your health and avoiding health robbing and life threatening eating disorders that are affecting so many.

There are times when losing weight is a matter of personal preference. However, if you are more than 20 pounds overweight, losing excess pounds is matter of doing what is best for you health. A starting point is to look at the recommended weight for someone of your height and age. There is some variation between different recommendations, but they generally all fall within the same range. Be aware also that because everyone’s body is different, and because fat and muscle ratio to body weight varies greatly from one person to another, you should really see your doctor if you feel like you need to lose weight. A doctor can confirm your need to lose weight or put your mind at ease by letting you know that your weight is within a normal range. This is one way to ensure your health.

There are times when weight loss is definitely not needed. First, don’t judge whether or not you need to lose weight based on popular celebrities. If you aren’t as thin as your favorite actor or model, that doesn’t mean you need to lose weight. Often, models and actresses are airbrushed in photos to look more toned and thin than they really are. Also, they often have personal trainers that work with them for hours every day in order to help keep them in shape. If your body weight is within a normal range, you do not need to lose weight, even if you are a size bigger than your ideal celebrity.

Second, just because you’ve gained weight it does not automatically mean you now have to lose weight. There are a number of reasons why people gain weight. Weight gain is especially common during puberty and for the few years after. If you gain weight pay attention to the rest of your body. If you are young consider if are you going through a growth spurt in height as well. If you’re past your growing years consider your over all physical condition. You may not have to worry about gaining weight when you are becoming more fit over all. As you tone your muscles, you don’t just improve your appearance. You are having a positive effect on your health as well, but because muscles are heavier than fat, you may gain weight.

Finally, you don’t need to lose weight simply because someone else made a rude comment about your appearance. People who make such comments may be insensitive, socially inept or even cruel. Remember that everyone has a different body make up. If you are satisfied with your weight and it is within the normal range for someone of your age and height, then ignore those comments. It’s likely that the rude comment is related to other issues, and not that you really do need to lose weight. The important thing is that as long as you are fit, stay active, eat a healthy diet and generally take care of your self, be happy with yourself and shouldn’t need to worry about losing weight.