Understanding Severe Underweight & Anorexia BMI

IMPORTANT HEALTH WARNING:

This calculator is an educational tool to understand BMI classifications. It is NOT a diagnostic tool and should NEVER be used to set a weight loss goal. Anorexia Nervosa is a serious, life-threatening eating disorder. If you are concerned about your eating habits, body image, or the well-being of someone else, please seek help from a medical professional or a licensed therapist immediately.

Your BMI Result

How It Works: BMI and Anorexia Nervosa

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight. The formula is: BMI = kg/m² where kg is a person's weight in kilograms and m² is their height in metres squared. While BMI does not diagnose body fat or health, it is a widely used screening tool.

In the context of Anorexia Nervosa, a very low BMI is one of several key diagnostic criteria used by doctors. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines different grades of thinness in adults:

BMI < 16.0: Severe Thinness
BMI 16.0 - 16.9: Moderate Thinness
BMI 17.0 - 18.4: Mild Thinness

A BMI below 17.5 is often a red flag for Anorexia, and a BMI below 15 is considered extreme. However, a diagnosis also requires a psychological evaluation to assess factors like intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image.

A Perspective on Recovery

"For years, I saw the number on the scale as a measure of my worth. My low BMI was something I secretly took pride in, even as my health deteriorated. I used online calculators to see how low I could go. The turning point was when a doctor explained that my BMI wasn't just a number; it was an indicator that my heart and bones were at serious risk. Recovery was the hardest thing I've ever done, but tools and support systems helped me reframe my thinking. Today, my 'goal' isn't a number on a calculator, but a feeling of strength, energy, and peace."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What BMI is considered anorexic?

There is no single "anorexic BMI." However, a BMI below 17.5 is a common criterion used by healthcare professionals in diagnosis, and a BMI below 16.0 (classified as Severe Thinness by the WHO) indicates a critical health risk often associated with the condition.

Is BMI the only factor for diagnosing anorexia?

Absolutely not. A diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa is complex and includes critical psychological components, such as an intense fear of weight gain, a persistent lack of recognition of the seriousness of the low body weight, and a disturbance in self-perceived weight or shape.

What are the health risks of a very low BMI?

Extremely low body weight can lead to severe health complications, including heart problems (slow heart rate, heart failure), bone loss (osteoporosis), muscle loss, fainting, fatigue, hair loss, and in severe cases, death.

What should I do if I am worried about myself or someone else?

If you have concerns, the most important step is to talk to someone. Reach out to a doctor, a school counselor, a trusted family member, or a mental health professional. You are not alone, and help is available.