Terribly skinny but I do eat...

[Lovelife090994]

Hi! I'm 18 and 5'2. I have a skinny build from my dad and the height is from my mom. But I barely weigh 100 lbs! Is this like detrimental? I have been small all of my life and I'm active and I do eat. Can genetics keep you small? And how underweight is too underweight?

[Desuetude]

Your bmi is 18.3 which is still in the healthy weight category. I wouldn't worry, people have different builds and you probably have a faster metabolism than most so you might not find it easy to gain weight even if you try. You are considered underweight if you have a bmi below 18 so you're just on the edge but even then bmi does not take into consideration body type and how active you are. It's not the most accurate measure. As long as you're eating a healthy balanced diet you have nothing to worry about.

[unusedaccount]

Hi! I'm 18 and 5'2. I have a skinny build from my dad and the height is from my mom. But I barely weigh 100 lbs! Is this like detrimental? I have been small all of my life and I'm active and I do eat. Can genetics keep you small? And how underweight is too underweight?

18.3 is NOT a healthy BMI. 18.5 is the bare minimum you should be. But you should aim to be at least 19.5, genetics can keep you skinny, and exercising regularly certainly can. If you burn more than you eat (in calories) then you will remain skinny. If you want to bulk up, try lifting weights and doing some resistance training, protein enriched foods will help you build lean muscle.

[Desuetude]

18.3 is NOT a healthy BMI. 18.5 is the bare minimum you should be. But you should aim to be at least 19.5, genetics can keep you skinny, and exercising regularly certainly can. If you burn more than you eat (in calories) then you will remain skinny. If you want to bulk up, try lifting weights and doing some resistance training, protein enriched foods will help you build lean muscle.
I know it's not 'healthy' but it's in the 5th percentile which is, as you said, scraping healthy.

I've always been underweight and it's never been much of a bother to me. OP, you honestly shouldn't worry, some people are naturally skinny and find it difficult putting on weight. If you're keeping active and exercising then that's going to keep you healthy as well. As long as you're eating a balanced diet, 3 meals a day then there really isn't anything you should be worried about.

[Lovelife090994]

I know it's not 'healthy' but it's in the 5th percentile which is, as you said, scraping healthy.

I've always been underweight and it's never been much of a bother to me. OP, you honestly shouldn't worry, some people are naturally skinny and find it difficult putting on weight. If you're keeping active and exercising then that's going to keep you healthy as well. As long as you're eating a balanced diet, 3 meals a day then there really isn't anything you should be worried about.

Thank you! I've been skinny all of my life but girls can get away with more...