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If I told you someone was thin, would you automatically assume they were healthy? For the vast majority of us, we assume that thin = healthy: a rather inaccurate and potentially dangerous assumption.

It's rather sad to witness so many young women and even men strive to be way too thin thinking this is the current standard of beauty. This common misconception is dangerous and can lead to serious illness and even death.

It is possible to be too thin. The problem is that in this day and age with the bombardment of unusually thin models and media subliminally telling us that "thin is in, we are fed a false impression of what real beauty is. Being too thin is dangerous.

And being overweight is dangerous, too. Carrying around extra weight, just like not having enough weight, can cause a host of medical issues that can eventually lead to death.

So the question is: What is an ideal, healthy weight?

What is a healthy weight for you is not necessarily a healthy weight for someone else. It is important not to compare yourself to anyone else, but to find your own healthy weight.

How can I find my healthy weight?

Of course, a visit to your doctor can answer this question. Your doctor can measure your fat to muscle ratio and give you an idea of how much you should lose, gain, or if you are at a healthy weight.

Another option? Check the Body Mass Index, or BMI. The BMI is a measurement that figures in both your height and weight. While it is not a perfect measure since it can't tell you how much fat and how much muscle you have, it can give you a good idea of whether or not you should gain or lose some weight.

A BMI or 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy. Anything above and below that range is not healthy. A score over 30 indicates obesity, unless you are a muscular athlete, pregnant, or if you are over the age of 65. Body Mass Index's are easy to find and use online, so check out your score!

What if I'm not happy with my "healthy weight"?

As mentioned earlier, we live in a culture that worships beauty. The celebrity culture is a great example. Have you noticed how thin some of these celebrities have become? If you ask me, many of them look too thin to the point of sickly. But still, for some reason, extreme thinness is desired while it should be avoided.

Whether your healthy weight seems to you to be too thin or too heavy, I suggest first visiting your doctor to ensure that where you are at is safe.

If you truly are at a healthy weight, it may be time to look at your body in a more positive and respectful light. Speak and think of your body is positive ways. Enjoy the compliments you receive. Seek support from your loved ones. Become active and enjoy your body.

By changing your mindset, you will see that your body is just perfect!