Anorexic BMI Calculator

Assess your BMI with specialized thresholds for eating disorder screening

Content Warning

This tool discusses weight and eating disorders. If you're struggling with body image or eating concerns, please consider reaching out to a healthcare professional or support organization.

Calculate Your BMI Status

About Anorexia and BMI

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a screening tool that can indicate potential weight-related health risks. For anorexia nervosa assessment, specialized BMI thresholds are used to identify potential cases of this serious eating disorder.

Why BMI Matters in Anorexia Detection

While BMI has limitations, it serves as an important screening tool because:

  • It provides an objective measure of weight status
  • Severely low BMI correlates with medical complications
  • It's used in diagnostic criteria for eating disorders
  • It helps track progress in treatment

Understanding Anorexia BMI Thresholds

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a BMI below 18.5 as underweight. For anorexia screening, BMI below 17.5 is often used as a threshold, with increasing severity below 16 and critical risk below 15.

Limitations of BMI for Eating Disorders

BMI should be interpreted cautiously because:

  • It doesn't account for body composition or muscle mass
  • Some individuals with eating disorders may have "normal" BMI
  • Mental health factors are more important than numbers alone
  • It should never be used as the sole diagnostic criterion

Signs Beyond BMI

Other warning signs of anorexia may include:

  • Intense fear of weight gain
  • Distorted body image
  • Amenorrhea (missed periods)
  • Preoccupation with food/calories
  • Excessive exercise
  • Social withdrawal