What does 'you look a bit Anemic' mean?

Question

I am Anemic clinically. But sometimes I hear people using Anemic as a way to describe someone. A friend told me it was if you're looking underweight or pale. I'm pale but not underweight.

What does it really mean? Thanks.

Answer 1

that you look pale and too skinny

Answer 2

Iron supplements are highly recommended for anemics. Ferrous sulfate (or iron sulfate) is the most readily absorbed type of iron supplement. It is dirt cheap and does the job well. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for how often to take it (usually 3 times a day between meals). Best results are obtained if it is taken on an empty stomach, but it may cause some GI irritation. If it does, try taking it with food. This lessens the irritation, but also lessens the amount of iron absorbed (though you still get enough iron to make a difference).

That being said...yes, paleness does go along with anemia, but the word is not usually associated with a particular appearance in common usage (aside from medical use, that is). A more common usage of the word "anemic" is when describing something (usually a machine) that has poor performance--"My car has as much pep as an anemic lawnmower."

Answer 3

Looking anemic would imply that your blood is not carrying enough iron and therefore not passing along enough oxygenated blood which can leave someone looking a littel washed out, gray in coloring.... not rosy and healthy.
Someone can be anemic without being underweight. Sometimes, i think, dehydration can also create a pale look.
You might want to get you iron level checked in your blood and make sure you are getting enough protein (red meat once in a while would be good) also raisins are good for you too.

Answer 4

I think it means you look pale. Pale and Anemia normally go hand in hand. You can be pale (by staying out of the sun) but you if your are anemic you ARE pale.

Answer 5

way to miss the question Missy Goob, the girl asked what 'looking anemic" meant and you felt the need to give her a full blown A&P lesson.

yes dear, pale and underweight is what they mean. this is a serious misconception since many people are anemic and show no signs whatsoever.

Answer 6

Anemic is when you don't have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to all the cells in your body. You usually look pale, are prone to fainting, and feel weak and tired. Women are more prone to this because of their monthly cycle of blood loss. Eating iron rich foods such as red meat, spinach, liver, etc. and taking iron supplements can help you feel better.

Answer 7

If you are clinically anemic then you know that without treatment you may tire easily. People use the term to mean that someone looks fatigued.

Answer 8

Pale, maybe sort of dull skin instead of a brighter, glowey complexion. I wouldn't worry too much about it though. If someone said that to me I'd say 'you look a bit like a jerk'

Answer 9

To my knowledge, it is a way of describing someone who is pale looking

Answer 10

I've only heard it used to describe someone pale and sickly looking.

Answer 11

It means you look pale. Your skin may appear to be paler than usual.