It is no doubt that what we see on television greatly affects the way we define beauty.

And now the slim images of models and actresses are even sneaking their ways into the minds of the little ones here in Taiwan.

The Ministry of Education has discovered that 20 percent of middle and elementary school students are underweight. In response, the experts are warning parents about the negative impacts that may result from their children's dieting behavior.

With the supermodels and on stage artists constantly fighting to be thinner, it is inevitable we are influenced one way or the other, slowing convincing us that the more slender we are, the more attractive we will be.

This unhealthy perception is now turning into a belief among many middle and elementary school students, with the Ministry of Education noticing that one out of every five students is underweight.

Now, how can we calculate if we're too skinny?

According to the Body Mass Index which can be found on the Department of Health website, the correct way to obtain the index number is to divide the body weight by the square of the height. Do make a note, that the BMI is not the same for people in different age groups.

And why is it so bad if your child has a physique of a model?

Doctors are stressing that growing children who are dieting excessively during their developmental stage may experience hormonal imbalance and their mental health may also be affected.

To help with the current situation, school staffs are asked to take part in monitoring students who are undersized, and to examine if they have eating disorders or other illnesses. On the other hand, parents are advised to provide their kids with a healthy and balanced diet, while teaching them to have the right concept about self-image.

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