Why am i so underweight?

Question

I eat normally (reasonably healthily, dont miss meals), am not dieting or whatever, but according to all the charts im anorexic! its just so strange, supposedly im 75% of the minimum weight for my height (5'10), with less than 10% body fat. I dont exercise excessively (in fact probably not enough) so it doesnt really make sense. Can anyone help?

Answer 1

Hi there. You didn't say how old you are. If you're a teen you're probably just going through a phase of high metabolism. Also look at your family? Are most your family slim? A lot of your body composition is hereditary.
If you would like to fill out a little do high weight low-reps weight training and eat a lot of protein and carbs... Lots of nice chicken or tuna pasta!!! If you are a veggie look at the helpful link below for vegetarian sources of protein, and Promax protein supplement which you can take between meals to build up. PS Sorry if there wasn't a lot of love in the room... Its just jealousy. Good luck. :-))

Answer 2

I have the same problem. I've always been very skinny. I have a full appetite (though, instead of eating 3 large meals a day, I usually eat 5 smaller meals).
I'm 6' 2" but I only weigh about 130 lbs.
I've been to doctors as an adolescent and even just recently as an adult (I'm almost 30). They tell me that if I exercise it may help build my appetite, but that I'm perfectly healthy and just have a skinny body.
If you're still having a normal menstral cycle then it sounds like you should be healthy. (If not, you need to see a doctor).

P.S. Don't listen to the over-weight people telling you that you're lucky. Some people have trouble gaining weight, some people have trouble losing weight. We all have our demons. Just because you don't have their problems doesn't mean your problems are any less important.

Answer 3

You have to take a holistic approach to your weight and not become paranoid. Ask yourself: do you feel well in your own body? Are you generally in good health?
Your low weight may be due to a calorie deficit and/or due to genetics (are you eating a balanced diet?/ What do your parents look like?)
There is a lot of debate on the accuracy of body weight tables and calculations, and there is no consensus yet.. Basically if you feel well in your body, exercise moderately and have a healthy, balanced diet you should be ok.
Hope I´ve helped you :)
Peter
MSc student (Medical Research)

Answer 4

Are you sure you have less than 10% body fat. Those on-line body fat calculators can be very innaccurate. Are you having any problems with menstruation or any other health issues? If you are concerned, you should definitely see a doctor to check your thyroid.

Under 10% body fat is excessively low for a female. Women should have at least 10%-12% body fat, but most average, healthy women have around 20% body fat or more.

HTH : )

Answer 5

Some people are just that way. Or maybe you have a thyroid condition. Ask your parents if there is a family history of thyroid problems. Some of these conditions can be life threatening when you are older. My mom found out, at the same age her mother passed away, that she had a hereditary thyroid problem that causes a rapid heart rate (her resting heart rate was 120) and very high blood pressure that could lead to a heart attack. Her doc said this is probably what killed her mother at that age. She died of a heart attack at 54.

Answer 6

I hear ya. I"m 5'5" and weight 105lbs. I was 10lbs heavier but recently succumbed to a lot of stress and responsibilities lately.

But I weighed the same in high school. I've always been a shrimp & scrawny for my age. Those online weight stats are generic and I don't completely buy into it. Everyone's metabolism is different.

Eat sensibly when you feel hungry. If you want to gain, do it right and don't pig out on processed food though (kiss of death right there!)

Answer 7

You probably have a fast metabolism and just arent eating enough. I have the same, i really do need to eat a hell of a lot to not be bony. Ive never been to the doctor about it as I stay a normal weight (Bmi 18.5) by eating constantly, but maybe you should as you are quite underweight.

Answer 8

Eat nourishing food with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables being part of it. Chew each morsel at least 32 times. This will activate signal to the brain as soon as u have had enough. Besides this change in eating style, take regular light exercises and brisk walks every day. U will be able to gain/shed all extra weight gracefully and in a reasonable time span.

Answer 9

I was a bean pole too. I was 6'2" 118 pounds before I got married. I gained 45 pounds in 6 months. My Dr. told me and my parents, that this is the way I am. Nothing wrong. Now at 51 I have to watch my weight. Middle aged YUK

Answer 10

I would definately see an MD, it could be you have an overactive thyroid. But, some people just have a high metabolism that prevents them from gaining weight (wish I was one lol). A simple blood test can tell you if you have an overactive thyroid, and it can be corrected with medication.
Good luck to you!! ;)