Guidance for ‘Skinny’ People

Today, the worrying problem faced by individuals being underweight or skinny whilst surrounded by plenty of foods, is nearly eclipsed due to the growing obesity epidemic.

Firstly it needs to be established if the individual is clinically underweight, too thin for height, or simply slender, very, slim, yet healthy.

Individual healthy weight varies greatly, and depends on many factors such as age, gender, race, weight history, genetics; if your parents were very slim at your age, it is likely that their offspring have inherited the lean genes.

Are You Clinically Underweight?

There are several ways to make an assessment, and it is always best to perform at least 2 -3 of the following to determine if the individual is truly underweight:

BMI – Body Mass Index

The BMI is calculated by dividing kg bodyweight by the square of your height in metres. Example: Bodyweight 55kg – Height 1.68m

55 : [1.68 x 1.68] = BMI 19.5 (normal range)

A BMI of up to 20% below the recommended BMI of 18 may still be considered as acceptable for a person of South East Asian origin, depending on factors such as genetics, weight history, as well as overall health status.

Skin Fold Assessment

The required weight, lean body mass percentage, body fat percentage is calculated by measuring skin folds. This type of assessment is usually performed by an experienced physiologist or suitably qualified health care professional. Age, race, weight history, genetics, current health status are also taken into consideration.

A certain body fat percentage is necessary for healthy body and endocrine function in females as well as in males.

This type of assessment is likely to be the most accurate indication/diagnosis.

Broca Method

An approximate guidance is the Broca Method. Check height in cm and deduct 100. Thereafter deduct 33%. If you weigh less than the figure calculated you may be clinically underweight. Example: 168 (cm) – 100 = 68kg

68 – 33% = 45.5 kg minimum bodyweight

Weight Charts

Standard height/weight tables are usually too general, and do not take the individuality of each person into account, but can be of use for approximate guidance.

Additionally one needs to assess:

• Genetics
• Overall Health status
• Weight History:  has the individual lost weight recently?  Has the individual lost weight rapidly or gradually over months, years? It makes a difference if the individual is slender, lean, very slim for years without any recent change in body weight, as opposed to unexplained weight loss

Common Reasons, Causes for Being Underweight or ‘Skinny’

Apart from a genetic predisposition, the most common causes for individuals to be thin, skinny or even underweight with availability of food is often due to erratic meal timing in combination with skipping of meals and snacks.

A Food Diary will help to assess the actual food and energy intake, as well as reveal meal timing.

Other reasons to consider:

• Stress, worries and subsequent loss of appetite
• Not getting enough sleep, ‘breaking rest’ on a regular basis
• Excessive activity, exercise
• Psychological and medical conditions: tests, reports and investigations are necessary to check for possible underlying medical and/or psychological problems, i.e. hyperthyroidism, gastritis, gastro-intestinal issues, endocrine disorders, eating disorders

If being underweight is entirely nutrition and lifestyle related you need to visit a dietitian, nutritionist who will understand your individual problem.

If emotional or stress issues have led to weight loss it is advisable to consult a psychologist, a counselor, or talk to a trustworthy person, and follow stress management guidance.

If you think you may be suffering from an eating disorder, multi-pronged treatment is the most successful, with a psychologist/psychoanalyst being the most important health care professional attending in combination with healthcare professionals, as well as supportive family members, friends.

Rapid or gradual weight loss without apparent reason always requires a comprehensive clinical assessment.

Please consult a suitable healthcare professional for a more individualized diagnosis, detailed advice.

Others Say…

Comments, i.e. “your arms are like chop sticks”, or “be careful the wind does not blow you away” are not a diagnosis, but can make you feel miserable nonetheless! Try to ignore these comments.

It is good to remember, that for every very ‘skinny’ person there may be hundreds, if not thousands, who wish they were more slender, and wish to be lean, even if they do not voice it.

You may benefit from sensible fashion tips on what to wear. The way you dress can make a big difference towards the way you look and feel about yourself.

If you are very slim, even thin, but otherwise healthy and fit, you need to realize and accept that it’s just the way you are. Be happy, positive and try to feel good about yourself!

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