Is underweight really an issue?

yellowlemoned

As someone overweight, working on losing weight, I can't speak from experience on what you are going through, but maybe I can give you a different perspective.

You may feel much larger now than you were before, because you have added some weight on, but by comparison to the general public, you are still very small.

Small doesn't have to mean unhealthy though. Are you getting dizzy/light headed during the day? Are you staying hydrated? Are you getting tired in the middle of the day?

If you have answered yes to any of those and your period hasn't returned, you should probably consider gaining those extra few pounds to get to a healthy weight.

Obviously seeing a doctor or nutritionist would be best, but I can understand being broke and not being able to afford to see one. If you're having a hard time eating all your calories, look into some higher calorie foods that are still healthy. (avocados, cooking with vegetable oils ocassionally, nuts, peanut butter, wheat crackers/bread, raisins, dates, coconut milk, fruit juices)

shell0891

Hi, I haven't really got anything to add to this thread but as a recovering anorexic I have found it hugely motivational in making me realise why I need to eat more and keep up with my recovery, its far too easy to think I'm happy as I am, changing is too hard and will make me unhappy but reading this has made me feel positive that while its not going to be easy it will be worth it and I hopefully won't feel as terrible as I'm imagining when I'm at a healthier weight. Thank you to everyone who's posted regarding recovering as you have pretty much switched a lightbulb on in my brain. Xx

MyRummyHens

Truly underweight for your frame as well as height? Yes that has health implications. It's especially important to maintain a good weight if you are active. I have horses so I know exactly what's involved in what you are doing.

The issue as others have pointed out actually comes down to things like bone density and muscle mass. All the while you are eating at a slight surplus your body will have a chance to lay down proper bone structure and rebuild your muscles. In cases of need and eating slightly more than you need your body will prioritize this rather than laying it all down as fat. There is a condition called Female Athlete Triad Syndrome which you want to avoid at all costs, and that means nourishing your body correctly for it's workload. The last thing you want is a nasty fall if low bone density could be involved, you could end up seriously injured if your bones give way too easily.

I had a long period of bed rest and I suffered with bone density issues myself, I lost a lot of my bone density. I've spent the last year putting it all back as a raw food vegan (which I became AFTER the bone density problems arose I hasten to add) so it is possible.

As a small (in frame and stature) highly active female who doesn't suit carrying too much weight I do appreciate that you may well be happiest down the low end of the 'normal' BMI range, but you really must go and speak to a doctor about this. They can make a more accurate assessment of where you are, and where your goal should be.

SoreTodayStrongTomorrow222

if you ever want to have your period again, ovulate, and have a baby - you need to gain weight. but yea, ask your doctor.

willywonka_71

thank you everyone.
One problem is that I'm a broke 21 year old student with zero extra money for doctors and therapists. So that isn't really an option. I went to a doctor for a bit when I was at a lower weight but I really don't have the money for that anymore...
I'll try to keep gaining or at least maintaining.

As a fellow Canadian and former anorexic, I can tell you (and you know this already) that it does not cost a thing to see your doctor. And if your doctor refers you to a therapist, nutritionist, etc., it also does not cost you anything.

I hope that you seek the free help that is available to you. It saved my life.

_lyndseybrooke_

If your profile picture is you at your current weight, yes, you need to gain some more. Where are you getting, "I have a lot of muscle" from? Why do you think that's the case?

katematt313

No judgments. Please talk to your doctor or specialist and don't look for medical help on a message board.

RobertReese12

Being underweight is also associated with dysfunctional ovulation which can impede pregnancy. Going on a weight gain diet in these cases almost always improved the chances of the woman getting pregnant. A woman must have a certain amount of body fat to sustain a healthy and growing baby, so any woman who is underweight should try to establish a diet that is highly nutritious and will help her maintain and gain weight throughout a pregnancy.

VeganEquestrian

Being underweight is also associated with dysfunctional ovulation which can impede pregnancy. Going on a weight gain diet in these cases almost always improved the chances of the woman getting pregnant. A woman must have a certain amount of body fat to sustain a healthy and growing baby, so any woman who is underweight should try to establish a diet that is highly nutritious and will help her maintain and gain weight throughout a pregnancy.

I'm not trying to get pregnant. I'm only 21! I just want to be healthy...

deksgrl

Being underweight is also associated with dysfunctional ovulation which can impede pregnancy. Going on a weight gain diet in these cases almost always improved the chances of the woman getting pregnant. A woman must have a certain amount of body fat to sustain a healthy and growing baby, so any woman who is underweight should try to establish a diet that is highly nutritious and will help her maintain and gain weight throughout a pregnancy.

I'm not trying to get pregnant. I'm only 21! I just want to be healthy...

Yes, but at some point in the future you might want to have a baby and the hormonal imbalances of today might affect your ability to conceive.