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BMI - underweightness
I was just asked on MSN what my BMI is, - a friend's doing coursework regarding it - and it's 17.0.
Now that's underweight, but by the side it only says overweight and obese are bad things. So why have a seperate category for it in that case? I know being underweight isn't healthy, but I'd like to know what I can do about it.
I eat constantly, although I do only eat relatively healthy things. (I'm 51kg and 173cm tall)
It's not that big a problem, in fact, I don't really see it as one, I'm just curious about it.
Now that's underweight, but by the side it only says overweight and obese are bad things. So why have a seperate category for it in that case? I know being underweight isn't healthy, but I'd like to know what I can do about it.
I eat constantly, although I do only eat relatively healthy things. (I'm 51kg and 173cm tall)
It's not that big a problem, in fact, I don't really see it as one, I'm just curious about it.
Reply 1
No, being underweight is dangerous too. If you have a BMI under 19 then you are classified as being underweight. This is itself it not dangerous as long as you are eating healthily and around 2000 calories a day. However, a BMI or 17.5 of under is usually classified as anorexia and it is extremely unlikely that you naturally have a BMI that is 17, although it is possible in a few rare cases.
If you are not consuming enough calories and not eating the right balance of foods (fats/carbs/proteins etc) then you're body is not able to function properly, regardless of what weight you are.
Seriously underwieght people often have trouble with fertility and can suffer from heart problems and low blood pressure...the list goes on....
However, I want to emphasise that this is usually caused by lack of nutrition/poor diet. The only reason I am going on about diet is because you said "I only eat relatively healthy things" I may well be wrong but this can often mean not eating enough fats and carbs, or even protein.
If you think that the way you are eating now is similar to what I have described above then you're probably one of those people who is just naturally thin, if not, then think about adding more wholemeal bread, pasta and rice into your diet, as well as some more protein such as fish and chicken, plus fats.
If you are not consuming enough calories and not eating the right balance of foods (fats/carbs/proteins etc) then you're body is not able to function properly, regardless of what weight you are.
Seriously underwieght people often have trouble with fertility and can suffer from heart problems and low blood pressure...the list goes on....
However, I want to emphasise that this is usually caused by lack of nutrition/poor diet. The only reason I am going on about diet is because you said "I only eat relatively healthy things" I may well be wrong but this can often mean not eating enough fats and carbs, or even protein.
If you think that the way you are eating now is similar to what I have described above then you're probably one of those people who is just naturally thin, if not, then think about adding more wholemeal bread, pasta and rice into your diet, as well as some more protein such as fish and chicken, plus fats.
Reply 3
BMI is only one method. Granted its the most popular, but there have been questions in the past, and currently asked, about how accurate a measure it really is. It doesnt take into account your body muscle/fat percentage for one thing, and as its such a general measurement (there's a better word than general, i cant think of it:P) its not going to be perfect for everyone.
It is however dangerous to be underweight, just as it is to be overweight. My doctor actually told me there are studies that suggest it is more unhealthy to be underweight and unfit than to be overweight and exercise (this is a random example, im not suggesting you're unhealthy). Id suggest taking a quick trip to the doctor, just to set your mind at rest if nothing else
It is however dangerous to be underweight, just as it is to be overweight. My doctor actually told me there are studies that suggest it is more unhealthy to be underweight and unfit than to be overweight and exercise (this is a random example, im not suggesting you're unhealthy). Id suggest taking a quick trip to the doctor, just to set your mind at rest if nothing else
Reply 5
Anonymous
However, a BMI or 17.5 of under is usually classified as anorexia and it is extremely unlikely that you naturally have a BMI that is 17, although it is possible in a few rare cases.
Anorexia is a state of mind and as such can't be diagnosed based on body mass. So a low BMI on it's own is not enough for a doctor to diagnose it. You are right in your post however to emphasise that it all depends on the diet and exercise that goes with the weight.
17 though is pretty low and you'd probably be best actively trying to gain some weight. It doesn't really matter though; your profile says you're 17 yo and generally guys tend to gain muscle mass from that age, especially with any form of training but even without.
Golden Maverick
Anorexia is a state of mind and as such can't be diagnosed based on body mass. So a low BMI on it's own is not enough for a doctor to diagnose it. You are right in your post however to emphasise that it all depends on the diet and exercise that goes with the weight.
Nope, Anon is correct.
You won't get classified as Anorexic by having a BMI of under 17.5, but you can only be diagnosed with Anorexia with having a BMI of under 17.5.
Plus, with BMIs, the general guideline is in fact
< 15: Emaciated
< 17.5: Anorexic
< 18.5: Underweight
< 25: Healthy
To the OP; try going to your doctor. They could tell you if you are in fact healthy or not. Take care. x
Reply 7
Simulatio
You won't get classified as Anorexic by having a BMI of under 17.5, but you can only be diagnosed with Anorexia with having a BMI of under 17.5.
How does that make the anon right? They said that usually classifies you as anorexic, I said you can't make a diagnosis of anorexia just based on BMI. For anorexia you need to be dangerously underweight due to avoiding eating (or stopping nutrients in some other way) and not appreciate that you are or not make any attempt to change that; that makes a low BMI necessary but not sufficient.
Reply 9
well the bmi says im emaciated, and im really not anorexic and i do eat, i just have a very fast metabolism, even though im aware i do need to gain weight. My doctor seems to think im fine, so I don't mind what others think
Golden Maverick
How does that make the anon right? They said that usually classifies you as anorexic, I said you can't make a diagnosis of anorexia just based on BMI. For anorexia you need to be dangerously underweight due to avoiding eating (or stopping nutrients in some other way) and not appreciate that you are or not make any attempt to change that; that makes a low BMI necessary but not sufficient.
They have what is considered an Anorexic BMI.
There is a difference between being "Anorexic" in BMI standards and having Anorexia Nervosa, obviously.
But having the OPs BMI does put them in the Anorexic category, thats why it is Anorexic and not Anorexia Nervosa.
Related discussions
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- How long can most people go without binging?
- what do you do when you just can't function anymore?
- How to gain weight
- Family judge me for caring about my health
- 5ft 4 and i weigh 160 pounds, is this considered fat?
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- why is my mental health not improving
- Going back to uni always makes me want to lose weight
- Best way to lose weight fast
- Occupational health check and nursing
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