Expert: Joanne - 9/29/2005

Question
Hi,

i currently weigh 80 lbs (i'm 4'11"). i'm hoping to lose 5-8 more lbs. my weight has ranged from 78-118 over the past 5 years. i know "technically" i'm underweight, but i don't think i'm too thin--i'm much more comfortable at this weight. i've heard weight charts are inaccurate for very short women. i eat between 800 and 1200 calories daily, always take multivitamins, and i always am sure to get enough potassium and water. my question is: am i at risk for the complications of being underweight, or am i doing enough to avoid them?
i am a bit rigid about my eating habits, but i don't think it's enough to cause concern.

Thank you

Answer
Your health is in danger!

I worked out your BMI and it is only 16.2.  A healthy BMI should be between 19-25.  Weight charts don't come into this - it is simply just your weight against your height, so does work for short women too.  You are well on your way to being considered emaciated, and that will cause you complications no matter how hard you try to avoid them.

I'm not sure what size you are or what you look like, but I don't imagine that you can stand to lose anymore weight without ending up in hospital!

Are you currently seeing any professionals regarding your eating habits?  If not, please consider going to see one soon!  I don't know everything, and obviously can't diagnose you, but reckon there is a good chance that you do have an eating disorder.

Please seek professional help.  These illnesses will ruin your life if you allow them to go untreated! Please consider this.

If you have any other questions, please get in contact as soon as possible!

Wishing you all the best
Holly