What BMI is severely underweight?

What is considered extremely underweight?

The American Dietetic Association (ADA) defines the ideal body mass index (BMI) as between 20 and 25. Thus, anyone below that range would be considered underweight and those with a BMI from 18.5 to 17.5 extremely underweight.

Is it OK to be severely underweight?

You get sick often: Remaining severely underweight weakens your immune system leaving your body more susceptible to the germs and viruses going around. Your body will have a more difficult time recovering from illness. This can leave you sick more often and for longer periods of time.

What low BMI is fatal?

In males, a BMI of around 13 appears to be fatal. The coefficient of variation (CV) of the BMI is 8.7%. In contrast, females survive to a lower BMI of around 11, although with greater index variability (CV 14%). Several females had BMI’s as low as 9 and 10.

Is 17.7 BMI underweight?

Your body mass index, or BMI, is the relationship between your weight and your height. A BMI of 20-25 is ideal, 25-30 is overweight and over 30 is obese. If your BMI is under 18.5, you’re considered underweight. If your BMI is 18.5-20, you’re a bit underweight and can’t afford to lose more.

What is the lowest BMI ever recorded?

The lowest BMI recorded was 7.5 (she was only 21 inches tall and died of hypothermia), highest BMIs are around 188 [Guinness World Book of Records].

Is a BMI of 16 bad?

Levels of severity

Mild: BMI of greater than 17. Moderate: BMI of 16–16.99. Severe: BMI of 15–15.99. Extreme: BMI of less than 15.

At what BMI do periods stop?

What happens when someone is severely underweight?

A person who is underweight is more likely to have low blood counts, known as anemia, which causes dizziness, headaches, and fatigue. Irregular periods. Women who are underweight may not have regular periods, they may find menstruation stops, or an adolescent’s first period may be delayed or absent.

What is extreme anorexia?

Anorexia (an-o-REK-see-uh) nervosa — often simply called anorexia — is an eating disorder characterized by an abnormally low body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted perception of weight.

Is underweight life threatening?

Underweight patients of all ages (those with a BMI of 18.5 or under) were found to face a 1.8 times greater risk for dying than patients with a normal BMI (between 18.5 and 25.9), the study found.