Expert: Joanne - 4/28/2008

Question
I'm 14 years old, I'm 5'6 and i weigh 45 pounds(over 7 and a half stones). i have a friend thats anorexic and it is quite serious. i also did an online BMI test and it should be 22-23 when it is 17.5. please let me know. thank you

Answer
Steph

To have a healthy weight, your BMI should be about 19 or higher.  Yours does make you underweight, however, this doesn't necessarily mean that you have anorexia.

Anorexia is a psychological disorder which affects the way the sufferer eats and feels about eating.

With you being underweight, would you say that you have always been thinner than may people, or do you eat slightly less than the people round about?  If you are eating less than 'normal' do you do it on purpose?  How does eating make you feel?

If you think that there is any chance that you may have an eating disorder, then I think that you should talk to your parents or a teacher or doctor and share your concerns.  If you think this is the case, then it is better to get some help early on.

I hope that I have managed to reassure you!  Having a lower BMI doesn't necessarily mean that you have anorexia.

Joanne