You can determine if you are too skinny by calculating your Body Mass Index (BMI).
Understanding Body Mass Index (BMI)
BMI is a useful tool to assess whether you are at a healthy weight. It uses your height and weight to provide a score. The formula to calculate BMI is:
BMI = weight (kg) / height (m)^2
BMI Categories
Category | BMI Range |
---|---|
Underweight | Below 18.5 |
Healthy Weight | 18.5 - 24.9 |
Overweight | 25 - 29.9 |
Obese | 30 or above |
Am I Underweight?
According to the provided reference, if your BMI is under 18.5 kg/m2, then you are considered underweight. This indicates that you may be too skinny.
What To Do If You Are Underweight
- Consult a Doctor: If your BMI is below 18.5, it's important to discuss this with a healthcare professional. They can assess your overall health, identify any underlying causes for being underweight, and recommend a healthy weight gain plan.
- Balanced Diet: Focus on eating a balanced diet with enough calories, protein, and healthy fats.
- Gradual Weight Gain: Aim for a gradual and healthy approach to gaining weight rather than rapid changes.
- Exercise: Combining a healthy diet with moderate exercise, particularly strength training, can help you gain weight healthily.
Example Calculation
Let's say someone weighs 55 kg and is 1.75 meters tall:
- Square the height: 1.75 m * 1.75 m = 3.0625 m²
- Calculate BMI: 55 kg / 3.0625 m² = 17.96 kg/m²
In this example, the person's BMI is 17.96, which is below 18.5. Therefore, they would be considered underweight.
Remember, BMI is a useful tool but doesn’t account for muscle mass. Consulting a healthcare professional for a complete evaluation is always recommended.