What Weight is Considered Skinny?

In the United States and elsewhere, it’s not uncommon for people to be unhappy about their weight. For most of these people, this unhappiness stems from the belief that they are too heavy, but for others, the problem is that they seem too thin. While this may not seem like much of a problem to some, the fact remains that being too skinny and failing to manage your weight can lead to health issues every bit as severe as being overweight. To help determine whether you are at risk for this, let’s examine what weights are generally considered healthy and what the difference is between simply being “skinny,” a term without a hard definition, and being underweight. To learn more, keep reading as the nutrition specialists at ENU explain.

Being Skinny vs. Being Underweight

In many people’s minds, the concept of being skinny is an ideal, one requiring extensive dieting, frequent workouts, or other lifestyle commitments. However, exactly what qualifies someone as “skinny” is up for debate, as there is not really a specific point at which your weight qualifies you for this descriptor. Generally, a person is deemed skinny if their appearance meets the observer’s visual standard for minimum body fat, meaning that the definition can be entirely subjective. In addition, a person’s body proportions – the result of many factors, including genetics and the ratio of height to weight – play a big role in determining whether they look skinny, and proportions can be independent of whatever the scale reads.

On the other hand, being “underweight” is a medical condition that can be very clearly defined and applied in a much more consistent manner than the term “skinny.” A person must have a body mass index (BMI) of below 18.5 to be considered underweight – something we’ll look at in greater detail below. It’s possible to become underweight for many reasons, including as a result of cystic fibrosis or a lack of proper nutrition for cancer patients. Because this definition relies on a set number instead of a subjective judgment, it’s fairly easy to identify when someone is underweight, making it a more reliable tool for determining a healthy body weight than simply asking whether a person is skinny.

How to Tell If You Are Too Skinny or Underweight

As mentioned above, determining whether a person is too skinny or underweight requires first finding that person’s body mass index (BMI), which is essentially a measure of the ratio of their weight to their height. This simple tool uses a fairly straightforward equation to determine BMI; all you need to use it is your height in inches and your weight in pounds (or, if you prefer the metric system, your height in meters and your weight in kilograms). The BMI formula looks like this:

Metric system: ( Weight (kg) Height (m)² ) = BMI

English system: ( Weight (lbs) Height (in)² ) x 703 = BMI

As you can see, calculating BMI isn’t too difficult, especially since there are a number of online BMI calculators freely available. If you choose to find yours manually, remember to round it to the nearest tenth of a point. Once you know your BMI, you’re ready to check whether your weight is considered – by general standards – a healthy one. The thresholds for a healthy BMI are as follows:

• A BMI of lower than 18.5 is considered underweight
• A BMI of between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered a normal weight
• A BMI of between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight
• A BMI of 30 or higher is considered very overweight or obese

In short, while there is no particular weight that is considered skinny, there is a BMI at which you may be deemed underweight – basically meaning that you are probably too skinny.

However, the BMI system comes with a caveat: This method of judging weight fails to account for important factors like body composition or genetics, both of which could skew the result significantly. For example, someone who works out frequently and has built up a lot of muscle mass probably weighs more than many other people of the same height, so their BMI could be in the overweight or obese range, even if they are quite healthy. In the same vein, someone whose BMI indicates that they are underweight could also be in good shape; it can vary from person to person.

What to Do If You Are Too Skinny or Underweight

While your BMI can give you some idea as to whether you are at a healthy weight, the final determination should always be made in consultation with your doctor. If you think you are too skinny or underweight, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, as your lack of body fat could lead to some serious health risks, including osteoporosis, an impaired immune system, or fertility problems; being too skinny could also be an indication of some underlying health problem.

In addition to seeing your physician, there are some steps you can take in your life to boost your weight in a healthy way. Purposefully maintaining a calorie surplus of 500 calories per day will lead to gaining about one pound per week. Make sure that you get plenty of protein to build muscle mass, not just fats and carbs. And finally, if you have little to no appetite, consider breaking up your main three meals into five or six smaller ones spaced throughout the day, as it can be easier on your stomach and spare you from having to force down lots of food at once.

Nutritional Supplements for People Who Are Too Skinny or Underweight

Whether you want to bulk up to build strength, improve your health, or simply change how you look, ENU has products that can help. Our balanced meal replacement shakes provide 400 calories and 20 grams of protein in one tasty beverage, and our Pro3+ nutritional powder can easily add a dose of protein and calories to your next meal without increasing volume. To learn more about these products, visit ENU online or call (855) 266-6733 today.