Question for doctors or nurses about BMI?

Question

I am a 17-year-old girl, and I have been trying to lose weight by dieting. I am one pound underweight now, and I have maintained that weight for about two weeks so far. I am 5' 5", and I weigh 110 pounds. But I think I could look even better if I lost a little more. I'm not anorexic, I promise. I eat three square meals a day, and I don't think I look fat, it's just that I think I could be a little thinner. How unhealthy would it be for me to weigh 107 pounds? My BMI would be 17.8. Is this really terrible, or is it not such a concern? Any advice would be appreciated; thank you!

Answer 1

I would be careful not to drop your weight to much or you'll suffer from amenorrhea. You have to have atleast 17% body fat to have a period. Which if you lose this ability your breast my atrophy, and no teen wants that. Anyway according to my sources a healthy weight for your age is 115lbs so at this poit your reaching a low end of the spectum for your age try visiting this site  so you can see for yourself. I used a generic bday for you on one of the sites.

Answer 2

If you are unhappy with yourself now 3lbs won't make a difference you'll still be unhappy with yourself and the cycle will continue where you will keep trying to lose just a few more pounds. You may not have full blown anorexia but you could easily get sucked in. Just keep yourself healthy and stop worrying about what the number on the scale says

Answer 3

Depending on what material you refer to, the normal BMI range is between 18-25. Although my BMI is 17, I really would not as a Nurse recommend dropping this low, specially considering your just 17. 110 pounds for your height is perfect, I'm sure you look great. Remember, just as unhealthy as it is to be over weight, it's equally as unhealthy to be underweight. My advise would be to stay as you are.