Am I Underweight?

Question

106 lbs, 5'6". I've always thought I was at a pretty okay weight range, I mean, I'm a bit lighter in weight than my friends, some of them say they envy me, but other people are like...they say I'm really skinny. It just feels a little awkward around my friends, one of them is 3 inches taller than me, and weighs 15 pounds more, and she doesn't look overweight, just normal, healthy looking (muscle mass?). My BMI is only 17.1, that's not too much under the healthy range (18.5), is it? I mean, its not like you can see my ribcage, unless I bend backwards...

If you think I'm underweight, any tips for gaining weight, in a healthy way, like maybe in muscle mass, not just fat (eech, ew).

I forgot to mention I'm 17.

I usually eat a lot, and really healthy foods too, I just kinda avoid red meats at all cost, I don't eat processed foods often (like only when I have no choice at all). Sometimes I eat like 2 meals a day, but its because I'm just kinda sitting there reading all day, and don't expend too much energy, but I tend to have a lot of snacks (but its fruits, so that's not really a lot of calories, even if I eat a lot of fruits).

I've had a loss of appetite recently, but its because I spent a month over in Taiwan with my relatives, and I've had dramatic diet changes in what types of food I've been eating. I've really tried to gain weight, but my friends just joke around and say silly things like eat snacks and sit on your butt watching movies all day.

<_< I'm aware of what lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates are. I'm not too worried about diet, I was hoping for an answer on what type of exercises I should do to build muscle mass...I mean my legs are pretty lean and muscular, but my arms are like....no muscle...no lie, seriously.

Answer 1

add more caebs to your diet, you need a few pounds

Answer 2

I am the total same as you. I am 13 5 foot 6 and weigh 106 pounds. I think i am to heavy but now that i am looking myself over i am under weight. I have a person trainer and i am set to gain 10 lbs. Which means that is probably how much you should gain. My friends get mad at me all the time. They always are looking out for me because i just got over an eating disorder. Trust me people i dont even know tell me i am WAY TO SKINNY. But it also matters how your body is built. Like i have a small bone structure. My BMI is lower then yours though. I have a two pack on my abs but you can see my ribs when i lay down or bend backwards or lift my arms up. But yah i am trying to gain 10 pounds. I would guess you should gain 10 to 15. Nuts will make you gain fast!! Email me.

Answer 3

You are underweight. Your BMI is unhealthy. Your body is not getting enough of its nutrients. To gain more weight eat protien!!!!! ( which is meats like chicken and beef ) Make sure you eat 3 meals a day with atleast 2 snacks. This meals should consist of dietary fibre, protien and a carb ( like bread). If it gets to the point where you eat 3 melas a day with 2 snacks and still cant gain weight, protein shakes with protien and energy bars are a good solution. They help you gain "healthy weight". They have many nutrients that your body needs. That should be your last resort or maybe evn mix it up, have your 3 meals and 2 snacks then finish the night with a protien drink/shake. Basically eat lots, but well. See a local nutrionist if you cant gain weight. You are underweight and that can affect you in the future, mentally and emotionally. Try and gain wait, ASAP.

Answer 4

If you are older than 16, you are underweight., The best thing to do is speak to your doctor. He or she will determine if you need to gain weight, if there's a medical reason for your low weight, and how to remedy it. Good luck.

P.S.- If you are purposely trying to keep yourself at a low weight (i.e.- eating too little or exercising excessively), then stop.

Answer 5

you are below the average you should weigh like 115 problem is I don't know your age but based on what you are telling me you are a little below the average try to get to 115. now if u want to gain weight, you could try to increase the carbs you eat, i know it sounds gross but is the truth. also eat chicken and fish. good food 4 gaining weight.

Answer 6

that ok wieght but you should see a doctor to tell you.