Is a BMI under 16 good?
When an individual's BMI score is below 16, they are considered to have "severe underweight" and their weight is significantly low for their height and body type.
The guideline is between 18.5 and 24.9 for a healthy BMI..
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on your height and weight. You can either consult the BMI chart or use the BMI calculator provided below to determine your body mass index.
| BMI | Weight Status |
|---|---|
| Less than 16 | Severely underweight |
| 16 to 17 | Moderately underweight |
| 17 to 18.5 | Mildly underweight |
| 18.5 to 24.9 | Healthy weight |
| 25 to 30 | Overweight |
| 30 to 35 | Obese class I |
| 35 to 40 | Obese class II |
| Greater than 40 | Obese class III |
This range of BMI is linked to a greater chance of health issues like malnutrition, weakened immune system, and infertility. It's essential to acknowledge that although BMI can be a helpful metric for assessing body weight, it has its drawbacks. Other factors like body composition, waist circumference, and overall health condition should also be considered to obtain a complete picture of an individual's health.
Here is a range of most common height and weight combinations that would result in a BMI score under 16:
| Height (ft, in) | Weight (lbs) | Height (cm) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4'10" | 68 | 147 | 31 |
| 4'11" | 71 | 150 | 32 |
| 5'0" | 74 | 152 | 34 |
| 5'1" | 77 | 155 | 35 |
| 5'2" | 80 | 157 | 36 |
| 5'3" | 83 | 160 | 38 |
| 5'4" | 86 | 163 | 39 |
| 5'5" | 89 | 165 | 40 |
| 5'6" | 92 | 168 | 42 |
| 5'7" | 95 | 170 | 43 |
| 5'8" | 98 | 173 | 44 |
| 5'9" | 102 | 175 | 46 |
| 5'10" | 105 | 178 | 48 |
| 5'11" | 108 | 180 | 49 |
| 6'0" | 111 | 183 | 50 |
| 6'1" | 114 | 185 | 52 |
| 6'2" | 118 | 188 | 54 |
It's important to remember that these are just estimates and that the appropriate weight for an individual depends on many factors, including their body composition, muscle mass, and overall health. Severe underweight can be a serious health concern, and it's recommended to discuss your BMI and overall health with a healthcare provider if you fall into this category.