Expert: Joanne - 5/30/2007

Question
Hi am i underweight? I am 5ft 6 inches and i weigh just over 6st 7lbs. I do not have regular eating patterns but i don't see this as  much of a problem, most do though.

Answer
Yes, you are underweight!

Many people don't have regular eating patterns, and, yes, this can be damaging as you may not be able to get the nutrients that you need, but as for eating disorders, well that depends on how you feel about things.

Do you intend to avoid a meal when you are not eating?  Do you actively try to avoid eating enough calories?  How do you feel when you eat?  And how do you feel when you miss a meal?

Do you use anything or do anything to help lose weight/maintain a low weight?

These questions are much more important than what your actual weight is.

But at such a low weight, I would recommend contacting your Dr and getting them to do some blood tests, etc. just to make sure that you aren't doing any lasting damage to your body by having such a low weight.

Feel free to come back with any other questions, or even to answer the questions I have posed above so as I can look at these and help you work out more whether you have disordered eating.

All the best
Holly