text: please answer this...? i'm 12, 5'4 1/2", and 145 lbs. is that fat?! cos seriously, i feel huge and this is an incredible downfall on my self-esteem. i won't go anywhere without a hoodie or baggy jeans on. i've been eating smaller portions and exercising for an hour 5 days a week, and i've lost 5 lbs. am i still fat? please speak to your doctor, or to your school nurse if you cannot get your parents to make a doctor's appointment for you.  you are on the right path with the smaller portions & exercise, good for you! be sure that you are eating meals that are well-balanced, too, not just less food. at your age, believe it or not, your body still requires somewhere in the neighborhood of at least 1600 calories a day (that is an approximate minimum). keep in mind that as you begin to lose weight, some of the weight will be retained water, especially if you drink lots of soda and eat lots of salty stuff; but weight loss at your age should be supervised by a medical professional, and whatever you lose or don't lose, do not become obsessed by your weight/body image.  it really is true, the outside is not as important as the inside.  i'm not just spouting spiel, my daughter was borderline anorexic and down to 90 lbs (she's 5'6")before i realized what was going on as she does not run around less than fully dressed.  it's pretty scary and a real eye-opener. if you want to see what can happen, go to entertainment tonight's website and search for pics of "the anorexic bride"; she is supposed to be on dr. phil's show tomorrow as well.  take good care of yourself, sweetie, we'll all be praying for you.