Anorexic BMI Calculator
Calculate BMI and assess underweight categories including anorexic BMI ranges. This tool helps identify severe underweight conditions and provides medical guidance for eating disorder assessment.
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer
This calculator is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, please seek immediate help from qualified healthcare professionals.
Emergency Resources:
- • National Eating Disorders Association: 1-800-931-2237
- • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
Warning Signs:
- • Extreme weight loss or BMI below 17.5
- • Obsessive calorie counting or food restriction
- • Social withdrawal and mood changes
Personal Information
Quick Presets
BMI Results
Severity Assessment
Weight Analysis
Health Risks
Medical Recommendations
BMI Categories & Anorexia Classification
Standard BMI Categories
Anorexia Nervosa Classification
Understanding Anorexic BMI
What is Anorexia Nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder characterized by restriction of food intake, leading to significantly low body weight. It has the highest mortality rate of any mental health disorder.
BMI in Diagnosis
While BMI is not the only diagnostic criterion, a BMI below 17.5 is often used as a threshold for anorexia nervosa diagnosis in adults. However, psychological and behavioral factors are equally important.
Medical Complications
- Cardiovascular: Bradycardia, hypotension, arrhythmias
- Bone Health: Osteoporosis, fractures
- Endocrine: Amenorrhea, growth hormone changes
- Gastrointestinal: Delayed gastric emptying
- Neurological: Brain volume loss, cognitive impairment
- Metabolic: Electrolyte imbalances, hypoglycemia
Treatment and Recovery
Treatment Approaches
- Medical Stabilization: Address immediate health risks
- Nutritional Rehabilitation: Gradual weight restoration
- Psychotherapy: CBT, FBT, DBT approaches
- Family Therapy: Especially important for adolescents
- Medication: For co-occurring conditions
- Support Groups: Peer support and community
Recovery Goals
- Weight Restoration: Achieve healthy BMI range
- Normalized Eating: Regular, balanced meals
- Psychological Health: Address underlying issues
- Social Functioning: Rebuild relationships
- Physical Health: Restore organ function
- Quality of Life: Return to normal activities
Help and Resources
Crisis Resources
Professional Help
- Primary Care Physician: Initial medical assessment
- Psychiatrist: Mental health evaluation and medication
- Psychologist/Therapist: Specialized eating disorder therapy
- Registered Dietitian: Nutritional counseling and meal planning
- Treatment Centers: Inpatient, outpatient, and residential programs
Frequently Asked Questions
What BMI is considered anorexic?
A BMI below 17.5 is often used as a diagnostic criterion for anorexia nervosa in adults. However, diagnosis involves multiple factors including psychological symptoms, eating behaviors, and medical complications, not just BMI alone.
Can someone have anorexia with a normal BMI?
Yes, this is called "atypical anorexia." People can have all the psychological and behavioral symptoms of anorexia nervosa while maintaining a weight in the normal or even overweight range. This condition is equally serious and requires treatment.
Is this calculator a substitute for medical diagnosis?
No, this calculator is for educational purposes only. Eating disorder diagnosis requires comprehensive evaluation by qualified healthcare professionals including medical, psychological, and nutritional assessments.
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