Anorexic BMI Calculator

Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) and determine if it falls within the anorexic range. This tool helps assess underweight status that may be associated with anorexia nervosa.

Height Enter your height in the selected unit below

Weight Enter your weight in the selected unit below

Height Unit

Weight Unit

Inches Enter the inches portion of your height

Age Age can affect BMI interpretation (optional)

Gender

Quick Examples:

How to Use This Calculator

Enter your height and select the appropriate unit (centimeters, feet, or feet and inches)
Enter your weight and select the appropriate unit (kilograms or pounds)
Optionally, enter your age and gender for more accurate interpretation
Click "Calculate BMI" to see your results and category classification

Formula Used

BMI = weight (kg) / [height (m)]²

Where:

BMI = Body Mass Index
weight = body mass in kilograms
height = height in meters

Example Calculation

Real-World Scenario:

A 25-year-old female who is 5'4" (162.56 cm) tall and weighs 90 lbs (40.82 kg) wants to calculate her BMI to assess if she falls within the anorexic range.

Given:

Height = 5'4" (162.56 cm or 1.6256 m)
Weight = 90 lbs (40.82 kg)
Age = 25 years
Gender = Female

Calculation:

BMI = 40.82 kg / (1.6256 m)² = 40.82 / 2.6426 = 15.45

Result: BMI of 15.45 falls within the anorexic range (BMI < 17.5), indicating severe underweight status that may be associated with anorexia nervosa.

Why This Calculation Matters

Health Implications

BMI below 17.5 is one diagnostic criterion for anorexia nervosa
Severely low BMI can indicate malnutrition and health risks
Early detection of dangerously low BMI can prompt medical intervention

Key Benefits

Provides quick assessment of weight status
Helps identify potential eating disorder concerns
Can track changes in BMI over time for health monitoring

Common Mistakes & Tips

Mixing units (e.g., entering height in cm but weight in lbs without conversion) will give inaccurate results. Always ensure you've selected the correct units for both height and weight measurements.

BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnostic measure. It doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or body composition. Athletes and muscular individuals may have high BMI but low body fat, while elderly people may have normal BMI but low muscle mass.

BMI interpretation should consider age and gender. Children and teens use age- and sex-specific percentiles rather than fixed categories. Older adults may have different healthy BMI ranges, and women naturally tend to have higher body fat percentages than men at the same BMI.

Frequently Asked Questions

A BMI below 17.5 is generally considered to be in the anorexic range for adults. However, anorexia nervosa is a complex mental health condition diagnosed based on multiple criteria, not just BMI. The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) lists significantly low body weight as one criterion, which is often defined as BMI less than 18.5 in adults or less than the 5th percentile for children and adolescents.

No, BMI has limitations and may not be accurate for everyone. It doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat mass, so athletes with high muscle mass may be classified as overweight despite having low body fat. It also doesn't account for body fat distribution, ethnicity, or age-related changes in body composition. For a more comprehensive health assessment, consider additional measures like waist circumference, body fat percentage, and consultation with healthcare professionals.

If your BMI falls within the anorexic range, it's important to seek professional medical advice. A healthcare provider can assess your overall health, nutritional status, and potential underlying causes. They may recommend working with a team that includes a physician, registered dietitian, and mental health professional. Remember that anorexia nervosa is a serious mental health condition that requires comprehensive treatment addressing both physical and psychological aspects.

References & Disclaimer

Medical Disclaimer

This calculator is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. BMI is a screening tool and has limitations. It should not be used as the sole method for diagnosing anorexia nervosa or any other medical condition. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

References

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) - Eating Disorders - Comprehensive information on eating disorders including anorexia nervosa, symptoms, and treatment options.
World Health Organization (WHO) - Obesity and Overweight - Global standards for BMI classification and health implications.
American Psychiatric Association - Eating Disorders - Diagnostic criteria and professional guidance on eating disorders including anorexia nervosa.

Accuracy Notice

This calculator provides BMI calculations based on standard formulas. Results are rounded to two decimal places. The anorexic range classification (BMI < 17.5) is based on general clinical guidelines but may vary depending on individual factors and specific diagnostic criteria used by healthcare professionals. This calculator is not designed for use by pregnant individuals or children under 18 years of age.

About the Author

Kumaravel Madhavan

Web developer and data researcher creating accurate, easy-to-use calculators across health, finance, education, and construction and more. Works with subject-matter experts to ensure formulas meet trusted standards like WHO, NIH, and ISO.

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health medical-clinical-calculators anorexic bmi medical body weight

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