I need reassurance

I am nearly 5 ft 1 in., 98 lbs and almost 18 years old.

Is this underweight? I need some reassurance, whether that be someone telling me I need to gain a little weight, or if someone could tell me if this is a normal weight for someone my height.

I run or walk almost everyday. I also do yoga, among other sports sometimes; tennis, soccer, hiking etc.

How many calories should I be eating? this website sends me mixed messages regarding my weight.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

thanks

thank you for the input, as_loseweight, it really does help to hear that. According to this site, I should be eating 1600-1800 calories a day, and that seemed alright, until I lost weight doing that.

What is your frame size??  Someone your hieght can weigh anywhere from 94.5 lbs to 115.5 lbs depending on frame size.  But keep in mind that is what they consider "ideal," look at yourself in the mirror and decide if YOU think you need to gain a few pounds.

I think that's only a healthy weight if you have a ridiculously small frame, no muscle, and no hips/bust.  If you have any of the above, you definitely should be looking to gain.  And if you don't, maybe try to build some muscle by eating more and lifting.

finallymeagain, you gave some GREAT advice to someone in another thread.  You should not be counting calories.  You should be working out, eating when hungry to support that, and listening to your body.  You are probably well under your set point and will gain weight if you do that.  When you stop gaining, assuming you're eating mostly healthy foods when hungry and getting moderate exercise, you'll weigh what you should.

And the person who said 94.5-115.5?  I think that's too low.  I've only got an inch on you and the healthy range for someone my height is something like 103-136. (and that's on the new bmi scale, before they changed it in the late nineties... my nutritionist still believes that up to a bmi of 27 is usually fine healthwise)

infinityontrial, thank you so much. 

I'm 5'1" and almost 18 years old too, but around 10 lbs. heavier than you. I've got a small frame and could stand to lose a couple more pounds, but I'm quite content with what I've got as I don't want to lose my curves. ;)

I'd be consuming 1200-1400 calories if I were trying to lose weight, and around 1400-1600 in maintenance. Since you're very active and not sedentary like me, it's no surprise that you'd lose weight with just 1600-1800 calories. You could try going for around 2000-2200 if you're looking to maintain your weight (which I don't think is underweight if you have a small frame) or upping it a couple of hundred calories more if it's still keeping you in maintenance mode, then lowering it if you ever have a less active day.

But like infinityontrial said, you don't really have to do any of that calorie counting and would probably do better just listening to your body. Good luck with whatever you choose to do! :)

Your current status "  Current: 18.1 - Underweight (Mild thinness)

"

So yes, you are underweight. Not too bad under, but a bit under. I suggest you increase your calorie intake, and possibly tone to build muscle to bring your weight up.

Sound good?

the best person to judge if you're underweight or not is you... unless you have a history of eating/body image disorders, that is!

you sound really active, tho, and it's hard to be active and underweight. you just don't have the energy! I'm 5'6" and 115lbs, and this site also says I am underweight, but I'm not, so...

anyway, just make sure you eat enough protein every day! when you're thin, you have less padding to fall back on, so you have to be more vigilant about getting the proper vitamins each day. I mean, one bout of stomach flu can really wipe you out, at 98lbs.

If you are still having periods, I wouldn't worry too much about it. When I popped your stats into the calculator at www.dietitian.com, I got a BMI of 19, not 18, and it said a healthy range for you is from 95 to 116, so it sounds like you are just right, particularly if you are Asian and/or small boned. That site will also give you more detailed recommendations for calorie range to maintain your weight, if you plug in more numbers regarding your daily activity.

I would NOT diet however. You don't need to. Just keep up what you are doing with the exercise. If you want to fine-tune your diet and eat healthier, that's one thing. But you don't need to create a calorie deficit.

Jen -

I don't trust the numbers on that site.  It tells me I'm overweight for not being between 100 and 120 pounds but then my BMI and all my other measurements are right in the middle of the healthy zone.  It is also telling me to eat 2500 calories a day (might actually be about what I should be eating, but the average girl my size, especially if she should weigh 110 pounds??? does not compute).  Just goes to show the crazy about of contradictory advice out there, often from the same source.

Finallymeagain, I am glad to be of help.  God knows this not doing things by the math is kind of scary sometimes.  But you know what?  You are *probably* at least a few pounds underweight (but probably not about to need hospitalization underweight).  The way to find out is not to count calories and go up 100 and down 100 every day.  The world is not that particular.  Calorie counts are averages, fruits and vegetables differ according to the season, and some days our bodies run differently than others.

Eat a diet based on healthy foods, eat when you're hungry, but not enough to feel stuffed.  Keep up your activity level.  When you do this, and you'll be a healthy weight.