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is a low Body Mass Index as harmfull as an above normal one?


Sent to Health Experts March 08, 2006 2:17 p.m.
A recent article on AOL Health had a quiz to determine possible life span. Part of it was BMI. It implied that a low BMI (normal being 25) isn't good. Mine is 18.6
I thought the lower the better?Optional Information: Age: 54Already Tried: Nothing yet
I am female, 5'4 1/2 inches and 54 years old

Edited by Customer (name blocked for privacy) on March 8 2006 at 2:23pm
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $9   
Answer
March 08, 2006 2:28 p.m. (10 minutes and 41 seconds later) 		ACCEPTED Check Mark
Body Mass Index of 18.6 is just below the 19-24 normal range for women. There is such a thing as being too thin as people who have very low BMI may have reduced vitamin intake or incorrect balance of daily nutrients.
If you are eating five portion of fruit and veg, some protein , some carbohydrate and a small amount of fat then you should be getting a reasonable balance. For an average woman her calorie intake should be 1500-2000 calories daily to maintain her weight. If it falls below this then she may go on to lose weight.

I would not want you to lose any more weight so if you exercise, make sure you maintain the calorie balance.

Also if the weight loss is sudden and unexplained over say three months, then this may require a check up.

However I would not be too concerned at the moment. Eat healthily, exercise moderately and enjoy life!
Regards


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