BMI: is under 20 BMI underweight or under 18.5?

So here on CC, it says that I shouldn't go below a BMI of 20 or I am classified as underweight, but on other websites it says I can go to a BMI of 18.5 before being classified as underweight.  Which one is correct?  I want to believe the 18.5 because otherwise I've already reached my lower limit and I would really love to lose 5 more pounds (I'm 5'7, 128 lbs down from 137) and if a BMI of 18.5 were the lower limit I could go all the way down to 118 before being classified as underweight.

it depends on your body and body type-

 if you had a picture we would be able to tell you . otherwise your best bet is asking a doctor what a healthy weight range is for you

bmi is a mass indicator and just guidelines if you want to know exactly see a professional before losing anymore weight.

I don't have any telling pictures to post, but I'm a small framed pear shape.  All my extra weight is carried in my hips and thighs and they still have a long ways to go before they'll fit into a size s bikini bottom without bulging. If you transfered the weight to my breasts I would probably think I had a damn sexy body . . .  Before I lost weight, I wore a size 4 dress shirt and size 6 pants (and should have worn a size 8).  Now my size 6 pants just fit like they were made to.

BMI is just a formula - if you can get your fat % measured that might give you a better indication.

Also, try some strength training (maybe you already are?) - it could help make you look "fitter"

Yeah, I would worry less about the BMI and more about your body fat percentage.

Get your Body Fat measured.  Or you can measure your hips and waist (at the navel) to get an an estimate of your Body Fat Percentage. 

Hey there-

My BMI is 19.5, and I've always been classified as underweight. However, I'm 5'10" and 135lbs. My doctor says I'm in perfect health. Don't worry about what the BMI indicator says. You should always go by how you feel.

If you're pear shaped, I would guess that 20 is the better guide for you. Those who are healthy in the 18.5 to 20 range are those who are more accurately called "beanpole shaped"... :)

Seriously, though, the WHO changed the lower limit when it realized that there were international differences in healthy BMIs... some Asian populations, for one, were just built very tiny and narrow all over.

That said, if you're right at BMI 20 and want to lose 5 more, there's probably no harm in it (though you may eventually conclude that it's more trouble than it's worth, and that you're happy at your current slender weight). Just make sure that "this last 5" doesn't become another 5 and another 5 etc., which happens a lot with nascent eating disorders.

I am 5'7 I weigh 123 which is your goal. My BMI is 19.3

This for me is my Happy Weight!

I have incredible Muscle tone from Strength Training.

I am very leggy and shorter through my upper body.

I went through a very tough time in my life several years ago after losing a loved one and dropped to 118 and hated the way I looked I was too skinny and unhealthy looking. People who didn't know me thought I had ED. My friends new better though and just tried the best they could to get me through it quickly.

I like to stay between 122 and 126 this is where I feel strong.

I count calories on this site more because it is an easy way to monitor Protein, fiber, and sodium content that is what concerns me more than losing or gaining.

Feel free to check out my pics if it will help you better gage what your trying to achieve.

No it is under 18. Wish i was a little closer to it haha