Is a low/high BMI really so awful?

[StillMe89]

I know this is an emotive and controversial topic, so I'm trying to be non-specific. But I have been told that my BMI is in the range where my weight could cause me serious health problems.

At the same time, I eat well, I exercise regularly, I sleep well and have good energy, I get regular periods - etc.

Also, I don't think that my BMI has ever been in the "normal" range!

Is it unreasonable to think that some people just have a lower or higher natural weight and that it doesn't necessarily mean that they are unhealthy?

The normal range is really wide, I have a BMI of 21, so about half way in "normal". In theory I could be almost a stone and a half lighter before I was technically underweight.

If your doctors are telling you your weight could be damaging to your health, presumably they will have considered anything that might be specific to you and rule out any concern.

A low BMI would mean you can't afford to lose more eg with COVID. I tend to low BMI but have gained on purpose as I am extremely vulnerable due to chronic disease.

How? I didn't say low/high, it could have been either

Overweight and obese women don't tend to post on the internet looking for people to tell them that their doctors are wrong. And they don't tend to mention that they still have periods to suggest they're OK, as cessation of menstruation is something that happens with Anorexia/a very low body weight.

Your doctors are right. Don't try and trick others into telling you that your illness is instead. That's the ED affecting your perception and insight.

If a doctor is concerned for your health, heed their advice OP

My BMI is around 18.5, it’s always been at the bottom of the scale. I got pregnant easily twice, I’m generally very healthy. My weight is completely normal for me. At a BMI of 16 I’d be emaciated and seriously risking my health. I can’t think of anyone or any circumstance where this would not be true.

@StillMe89

Sorry I didn't reply. I felt a little bit under siege!

FWIW, I was genuinely asking the question from a general point of view. As regards my own weight, it's difficult to see it as being unhealthy when it has never been different

I do think that people have different frames and different set points and what is one person's overweight could be another person's underweight, and another's perfect weight.

Thanks for coming back to the thread OP. It seems I interpreted your initial question correctly as a general one rather than being a loaded one about your own circumstances. It's good to know that I wasn't in fact out of line to post my thoughts from an obese person's experience, as so many on this thread piled on me for.

@MitziK

How? I didn't say low/high, it could have been either

Overweight and obese women don't tend to post on the internet looking for people to tell them that their doctors are wrong. And they don't tend to mention that they still have periods to suggest they're OK, as cessation of menstruation is something that happens with Anorexia/a very low body weight.

Your doctors are right. Don't try and trick others into telling you that your illness is instead. That's the ED affecting your perception and insight.

Cessation of periods also happens at the morbidly obese end of the spectrum too as obesity messes up hormones, and it's very common for overweight people to feel attacked by their doctors (rightly or wrongly) and come online looking for validation. Ever heard of the HAES movement? Seeking confirmation that the doctors have got it wrong and you can be big but healthy.

This isn't a comment on the OPs motivations I'm just saying that's not really a correct assertion about overweight women.

How is your emotional/social life OP? Do you have a partner or DC? A job that you enjoy? A good circle of friends? I ask, because sometimes having an ED (I'm not saying you have!) can make people secretive, guarded and solitary. It's worth looking at the whole picture of your life. When I was overweight (size 16) I wasn't confident enough to date anyone. That lasted 4-5 years.
But coming back to your thread - yes, I think if a medical professional is telling you it's too low for optimum health, I think you should listen to them. They don't have an ulterior motive.

@MitziK

How? I didn't say low/high, it could have been either

Overweight and obese women don't tend to post on the internet looking for people to tell them that their doctors are wrong. And they don't tend to mention that they still have periods to suggest they're OK, as cessation of menstruation is something that happens with Anorexia/a very low body weight.

Your doctors are right. Don't try and trick others into telling you that your illness is instead. That's the ED affecting your perception and insight.

@MitziK has beaten me to it and worded it better than I would have. This is exactly how I knew you’d have a super low bmi and would he looking for reassurance that it was all fine.