Is 76 pounds too low of a weight for a 19 year old?

floreznatalie

So I recently weighed myself because many of my family and friends were starting to get worried for me because I've been looking "too skinny" and found out I'm about 76 pounds..I'm also 5'1 if that makes a difference. But since I'm a long distance runner I didn't realize I had actually lost that much running.
But now I'm not sure if this weight I'm at is healthy for me. Any opinions?
Is there any health consequences of being too underweight or being at a very low weight?

Would it be a good idea to stop my running for awhile to gain some weight?

cwolfman13

You are underweight...like a lot. Yes, being under has health consequences.

usmcmp

There are lots of consequences to being underweight. A few of which are:

-Comprised immune system
-Hair loss
-Osteoporosis
-Anemia
-Potential infertility later in life

Alatariel75

You are very, very underweight. I recommend you speak with a doctor and get settled on a decent wait gaining plan. There are major health issues with being underweight, and especially being an underweight athlete. The strain you put on your body is significant.

amyinthetardis1231

Yes, you are very underweight. Malnutrition and organ damage are very real risks for you. Please see your doctor and a registered dietician for help gaining weight safely. Perhaps a therapist as well, since gaining weight can be stressful and you may have some disordered eating patterns and body image concerns.

DietPrada

You posted this before. Why are you posting it again? Same answer as before, yes, you are terribly underweight and should see a doctor, immediately.

Alatariel75

You are significantly underweight and it could have serious ramifications for your short and long term health. You need to be seeing a doctor and formulate a plan to safely gain weight.

Here's your last thread, if you can't find it:

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/comment/38998361/#Comment_38998361

cory17

Just going by a bmi calculation of 14.4, bump UP your calories, especially of protein.

crackpotbaby

Your weight relative to your height does make a difference, but at 5'1'' and 76lb you are - as those above have stated - dangerously underweight.

With a BMI of 14.4 you are at risk of extreme malnutrition, hormone disruption and electrolytes imbalances that can lead to lethal cardiac arrythmias.

You need to be assessed by a doctor and address the underlying issues to your weight. These could be medical or psychological or even lifestyle reasons and it is critical you get some help regardless the cause.

Good on you for starting to address this and listening to family concerns. Now take it to the people that can actually help - your doctor.

girlwithcurls2

And you're 33 years old? See your physician.

kbmichb

You can die from a heart attack from being underweight. Or from malnutrition. You're mostly hurting your heart along with other things. Please seek help and I hope you get better.

sugargrammy45

YES you are too thin. Er, let's change that to you are too skinny. Ramifications at your weight? Death

According to National Checks Systems, a small framed woman at 5'1" should not weigh less than 106 lbs.

This is my first time reading your question but several before me say you have already asked this and have received your answer. I want to ask you another question. What is it emotionally that has you seeking answers you already know. Considering what others have said about your already having asked and received the answers plus how extremely low your weight it, it might be wise to seek professional mental health counseling. You may have some underlying mental health issues that need to be addressed before you can adequately address your weight.

And since no one else has said it, I will. You very well may be anorexic and if that is the case there is no way you will be able to see yourself as you really are AND there is no way you can overcome this without professional mental health counseling.

I'm not trying to be harsh at all but these are great concerns. Please do something about this before your life is endangered any more than it already is.

Alatariel75

OP, less than 2 weeks ago you started a thread about wanting to save calories by using spray oil on veggies, so clearly your weight is something that has your attention and not something that has passed you by without you turning your mind to it.

Now that you have stated that you are severely underweight, this is a giant red flag. You need to seek some help.

SierraFatToSkinny

Have you been using MFP to keep a food diary?

You're at a very unsafe weight. You need to gain 25 pounds.

I can understand your family's concern. This has the appearance of an eating/exercising disorder.

If you continue losing weight, you will die. Everyone above is right. Best to go find a doctor to help get you healthy.

tomteboda

I'm putting in another vote for "yes, you are at an unsafe weight". Please listen to your family and make an appointment with a doctor. You may actually need a team of professionals to support you (nutritionist, psychiatrist, counsellor etc), or you might be able to go this on your own; but don't be afraid to get support and help.

Fuzzipeg

OP, there is so much good advice above this/my comment. Have you ever thought about the amount of nutrition you need to keep up your current training schedule, let alone simply being? I fear you have become disorientated, why else would you suggest you are 19 when you are substantially older/more mature? While you seek sound advice from your medical team please please consider your real nutritional needs. Life is not good when things start to fail prematurely, please start protecting yourself.

Alatariel75

I am also concerned that 2 weeks ago OP started a thread about using spray oil instead of butter or oil to cook veggies, in order to save calories. I feel big red flags.

TonyB0588

Congrats on being a successful athlete. Do you have a trainer? Does he or she have any input on your diet? My 15 year old son just lost a lot of weight and went on to win two medals in a recent athletic meet. He is still a lot heavier than you, and I think a lot of what he does is guided by his trainer. My observation was that along with his increased exercise, there was an increase in his eating, because the body still needs food to sustain the activity. Then the weight comes down to a decent level and is maintained there after reaching the desired goal.

You can perhaps put back on a bit of weight and still continue to compete successfully in your chosen sport.

HeliumIsNoble

Yes, there are serious health consequences. Stop exercising immediately and go to a doctor, please. At a BMI level that low, you cannot risk putting any strain on your heart until you've had a medical assessment, because you are now at risk of heart failure. Yes, even at 19.

A 22 year old model with a BMI of 14.5 died of heart failure during a fashion show, after merely walking the catwalk while she was making her way back to the dressing room. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luisel_Ramos

A year later, her 18 year old sister died of a heart attack, also caused by malnutrition.

Please see a doctor.

TimothyFish

You are underweight. Because of your height, BMI gives a less than accurate picture of what your weight should be, but your family has good reason to be concerned. You should probably be at least 100 lbs.

cbl40

Your profile says you are 33 yrs old. You must not be getting your period at this low weight. I think this post was a call for help. Don't be scared, you can get healthy. Please see your doctor immediately. No harsh words from any of us, just get the help you need. Be well.

Kristi26

I agree with everyone else. You are seriously underweight and at major risk for some very serious, life threatening issues because of it. Go to your Dr today and tell him/her what's going on. Make a plan with them.

RachelElser

Holy *kitten*, yes. I would talk about it with your doctor, or coach (unless it's a school coach, then go straight to a doctor). If you want to keep running at the amount you are now, then you need to seriously increase you food intake. A nutritionist should be able to help you put together a healthy eating plan and you can get a referral from your doctor.

PetraVanilla

Whoa! Someone I know is barely 93 lbs at that height and a bit younger, and we are trying to get her to gain weight! 76 pounds is near death underweight. My mom died from cancer at 73 pounds at 5'2" height! Please get help! Maybe some protein weight gainer powder would be helpful, too. Track your food and make sure you get enough calories for as much as you may be burning while running!

Theo166

Are you 19 or 33 (per your profile)?

Here's what you'll look like if you keep losing