How to tell visually if you are underweight?

Question

Hello, are there any visual indications that can point out whether or not you are underweight. I am not talking about drastically underweight which is very obviously I am more talking about being slightly underweight. Please don't refer me to bmi tables as I find them very unhelpful, unreliable as weight oscillates 8lbs in 1 day (i.e. between 18.5 and 19 on the bmi scale), I also look heavier than I am. Just tell me a few signs that may indicate if a person is slightly underweight.

Sorry meant to put I am heavier than I look. I look around 1/2 stone -1 stone lighter than my actual weight is. I am actually quite strong and regularly carry home 10kg sacks, and lug around hay bales, and go for long walks.

People do make comments because I have lost a stone over a month. You can just make out where my upper ribs are, particularly if I breath in. You can see where the pelvic bones stick out, but they only stic out slightly. I think I am bordering on being underweight but it gets confusing as I don't feel any slimmer! I am 5'8" ad a size 8 (dropped from a size 10-12).

Answer 1

The BMI is correct and indicates you are on the lower edge of the healthy range but still normal. Of course the BMI is only a guide, if you are underweight this page lists some symptoms you may experience.
I'm guessing that you have had some comments about your weight that have made you worry about this. If so, it's something that needs to be taken on a person to person basis. You're health is the most important thing, if this is your natural weight then you are probably perfectly healthy and don't need to change a thing.


EDIT: You sound healthy to me, very fit actually. Muscle's heavier than fat so you would expect to weigh a bit more than you look. If you were underweight all that exercise would be difficult, you might feel feint ect. So long as you're eating right you're ok.

Answer 2

You can find out your body fat percentage. But even being underweight it's unlikely that your body fat will be too low unless you are dangerously underweight.

The usual problem with being underweight is that the person has too low lean mass. This is what makes you look heavier than you are, because you still have normal body fat levels but too low lean mass.

I'd eat more protein and do strength training to gain some lean muscle and this will add weight.

Answer 3

You should be able to feel your ribs but not see them. If you cannot feel your ribs, then you weigh too much. If you can see your ribs, then you weigh too little.

This does not have anything to do with your health. A person can be very slim and still be healthy if she / he eats a healthy diet and has plenty of exercise. A person can be slightly overweight and be healthy if she / he eats a healthy diet and has plenty of exercise.

Answer 4

I would say, if at the very top of the thighs - if they go in (before they attach to your body!) then that is underweight.

Answer 5

when you see your pelvic saddle - it will also start to hurt to sit down.

Answer 6

i'd say if you can see ribs