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A 37-year-old member asked:

Would it be strange to want to be underweight?

2 doctor answers4 doctors weighed in
Dr. John Chiu
Allergy and Immunology 59 years experience
Depends: Underweight if excessively so is unhealthy. But if just slightly so, it would be fine. Be sure you do not have anorexia however. In the middle ages, being moderately overweight was considered a sign of wealth. But in today's world, slimness is a desired trait. It is even more important to be physically fit however.
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Dr. Ed Friedlander
Pathology 46 years experience
It depends: A light-boned man who is very well-trained for track-and-field, where aerobic fitness is a plus and muscle mass is a minus, will be "underweight" according to the tables. It's fine. Another person may wish to look undernourished for whatever reason, perhaps a body dysmorphic disorder, and can make themselves sick doing this. If this is anorexia nervosa, it's dangerous. Best wishes.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Last updated Nov 28, 2017

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