Should I go on a diet? Some people say I could lose weight, other people say I look good the way I am. But my best friend is always talking about her big hips and she’s a size smaller than me! What should I do? – Evie* Friends, family, and even society can influence the way we see our bodies, leaving lots of people wondering if they should diet. But not all teens who diet actually need to lose weight. In fact, a constant focus on weight and dieting may lead to eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia. The best thing to do if you have a question about dieting is to see your doctor. He or she can help you determine what's a healthy weight for you. If needed, your doctor can refer you to a dietitian, who can design a healthy eating program that works for you. Even without your doctor, you can make smart food choices that keep you healthy. Substituting healthy foods for not-so-healthy ones and eating regular-sized portions is a good start. Regular exercise can make you look and feel even better and help you maintain a healthy weight. Lifestyle changes like these can have lasting results — unlike the temporary results from going on a diet. *Names have been changed to protect user privacy. Back to Articles Related Articles 5 Ways to Reach a Healthy Weight Most dieters regain the weight they lost by dieting when they go back to their old eating habits. Get our tips on the best ways to drop excess weight. Read More Are Detox Diets Safe? The name sounds reassuring - everyone knows that anything toxic is bad for you. But detox diets aren't good for teens. Find out why. Read More The Deal With Diets With all the focus on dieting, how do you figure out what's healthy and what isn't? Read this article to get the basics on dieting. Read More Healthy Breakfast Planner Use these breakfast planning ideas to select healthy foods that satisfy your taste buds and get you on your way fast. Read More Help! Is This My Body? Your body's changing - and if you've ever felt out of step with it, you're not alone. Find out how to deal with body changes and feelings in this article. Read More What's the Right Weight for My Height? One of the biggest questions guys and girls have is whether they're the right weight. Because the body is growing and changing so much during adolescence, it can be tough to answer this question. Read More Staying at a Healthy Weight Here are some practical, everyday tips on making exercise and healthy eating work for you instead of feeling like it's the other way around. Read More Easy Exercises for Teens Finding it hard to fit in fitness? Try these simple exercises for teens. Read More Body Mass Index (BMI) One of the biggest questions guys and girls have as they grow and develop is whether they're the right weight. One place to start is by learning about body mass index, or BMI. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.