Am I underweight?


Question:
Okay, I worked out my BMI wrong at first and I thought I was overweight but then I realized I did it wrong and my BMI is actually 15.9. They say anything under 18 is underweight but everyone says I look normal. I'm confused. Is it possible for me to be underweight and look normal. I'm not anorexic and they say I have a fast metabolism. What's up with this?

Answers:
It's -possible- that you're underweight; however, IF you're eating a normal diet, and IF you don't have a medical condition (hyperthyroidism, for example) which would cause your metabolism to be too fast - enjoy!

Depending on your age, your metabolism may eventually slow down and allow to you to gain weight.

Other Answers:
i guess they're right.. maybe u have fast metabolism [i envy u]..

u need not b so skinny 2b underweight.. weight is fr d body mass & not determined by fat percentage.

i suggest u gain some weight coz 15 is weigh down d normal range..

if that is really your bmt, then you are really underweight but you still can be a normal human

seriously dont worry bout that sorta stuff! as long as you are happy with your body, you are eating healthily and you can do what you want to do without your body stopping you, you are fine! People put too much weight on these BMI tests and stuff when it should all depend on how you feel on the inside.

It depends on your height-weight ratio.

If you're dieting obsessively in order to be underweight, that's not healthy.

It depends on your bone structure as well.

If you feel healthy, and aren't starving yourself, then you should be ok. The average BMI is 20. I also envy you!

It depends on your muscle mass and bone structure too! my friend is in my heigh, and weights much less than me, and we look almost the same with measuring etc (only I got big boobs and muscly).
You probebly have no muscle, and it also depends what is your age.
If you thought you're ovreweight perhaps you got an eating disorder too.
Take care.

check Body Mass Index -
The body mass index (BMI) or Quetelet Index is a quotient of body mass which takes into account both height and weight measured as kg/m2;

BMI = weight (in Kg)/height^2 (metres^2)

funny example: a 20 Kg man, with height of 2meters would have a BMI of 20/4= 5

Males
Underweight: less than 20 (<20)
Ideal: greater than or equal to 20 but less than 25 (>=20 but <25)
Overweight: greater than or equal to 25 but less than 30 (>=25 but <30)
Obese: greater than or equal to 30 (>=30)
[edit]
Females
Underweight: less than 18 (<18)
Ideal: greater than or equal to 18 but less than 25 (>=18 but <25)
Overweight: greater than or equal to 25 but less than 30 (>=25 but <30)
Obese: greater than or equal to 30 (>=30)


ALSO keep in mind BMI also has its problems.
The duality of the Body Mass Index is that, whilst being an easy-to-use quotient for body mass of sedentary individuals, it is a very imprecise calculation outside of sedentary groups. For example; comparison of a bodybuilder and a sedentary or obese individual of the same weight and height would produce similar results, which would be designated obese; regardless of the body composition of either.

As a general rule, developed muscle contributes more to weight than fat; and it is through this fact that the body mass index can be readily classed as widely erroneous. It could be stipulated that long-distance or endurance athletes would be classified as underweight, despite the fact that the individual could be widely regarded as the perfect composite for their particular sport. However, within professional practice, body composition for athletes would not be calculated using the body mass index, and would most likely be done using an amalgamation of skinfold measurements and bio-electical impedance analysis.

BUT - I think you are probably just right! :)
no worries.
Source(s):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_mass_index

Yes accouding to my BMI chart I'd say your underweight, mine says anything under 18.5 is underweight.

That doesn't mean you can't look or feel good. I know somebody who is defenitly underweight but she looks normal to me.
As long as you eat wel and varieted. Go see a doctor or a dietician if you are really worried. They can explain you about your condition. Its worth it and adviseble to look after it now before it can become any problem to you. Remeber you don't have to do this alone, there are lots of people who can help you, start with your doctor or dietician.
Good luck

Hi :)
Dont worry, my BMI is 16. But i think i am a healthy woman :) i have a healthy daughter (she is 5 mo old), i had no complications during my pregnancy, i am still feeding. So, why i should worry about my weight?
It's fast metabolism, nothing more (if you say so). Good luck!



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