Anorexic BMI Calculator
Calculate and understand BMI ranges related to anorexia nervosa and potential health risks with our free educational calculator.
Category: Fitness & Health
This calculator is for educational purposes only and is not designed to diagnose eating disorders. If you're concerned about your weight or eating habits, please consult a healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
What BMI is considered anorexic?
While BMI alone cannot diagnose anorexia (which requires psychological and behavioral criteria), the medical community often uses a BMI below 17.5 as one physical indicator. Mild anorexia might present with a BMI of 17-18.49, moderate at 16-16.99, severe at 15-15.99, and extreme below 15. However, anorexia nervosa is a complex mental health disorder that cannot be diagnosed by BMI calculations alone.
How is anorexia diagnosed beyond BMI?
Anorexia nervosa is diagnosed based on psychological, behavioral, and physical criteria defined in the DSM-5, including: restriction of energy intake leading to significantly low body weight, intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, and disturbance in how one's body weight or shape is experienced. A comprehensive assessment by healthcare professionals is essential for diagnosis.
What are the health risks of being severely underweight?
Severe underweight status can lead to serious health complications including malnutrition, severe bone loss (osteoporosis), muscle wasting, weakened immune system, hormonal imbalances affecting menstruation and fertility, heart problems (including low heart rate and blood pressure), electrolyte imbalances, anemia, and in extreme cases, multi-organ failure and death.
How is anorexia treated?
Effective treatment for anorexia typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, including: medical stabilization for physical complications, nutritional rehabilitation with dietitian support, psychotherapy (particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy, family-based therapy for adolescents, or interpersonal therapy), psychiatric medication when appropriate, and ongoing monitoring. Treatment settings range from outpatient care to intensive day programs or inpatient hospitalization depending on severity.