I am underweight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I am underweight" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing your body weight in relation to health or medical contexts, often to indicate that your weight is below the normal range for your height. Example: "After my recent check-up, my doctor informed me that I am underweight and suggested a nutrition plan to help me gain some healthy weight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Over the last four years I was underweight Big Pharma," he added.

The New York Times

I was underweight, depressed and scared.

Huffington Post

I hate how I look because I'm underweight.

Huffington Post

Sure, my skin is looser, but I've had a belly since I was a kid, even though I was underweight.

Huffington Post

I now feel that it is underweight and the task of getting it back to the 800lb mark is an exacting one.

The Guardian

I've been underweight in equities globally, especially the Nasdaq.

Forbes

Also important to point out is that, based on my BMI, I am technically underweight, so I'm not trying to lose any weight during this extremely scientific experiment, and won't be giving up carbs or replacing any of my meals with dressing-less salads.

Vice

One diver reported 8 unsafe conditions, while all others reported between 1 and 3. Most commonly reported unsafe conditions were being underweight, i.e., positively buoyant, and overweight, i.e., negatively buoyant in the water (Table 3).

Injury Epidemiology

Interestingly, none of the children taking stimulant medications were underweight (i.e., below the 15th percentile), although 5 (16%) of the children not receiving stimulant medication were underweight.

BMC Pediatrics

Regarding BMI, 8.8% of students were overweight (BMI over 25), and 9.7% were underweight (BMI between 18 and 21).

BMC Public Health

The majority of this population had a self-reported BMI within the normal range (BMI 18.5-25), however 5.2% of women were underweight (BMI < 18.5), and 45.4% of men and 28.6% of women were overweight or obese (BMI >25).

BMC Gastroenterology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "I am underweight", provide context about potential health implications or dietary needs. This adds clarity and relevance to the statement.

Common error

Avoid assuming that being "I am underweight" is always due to unhealthy habits or eating disorders. Genetic factors, metabolic rates, or underlying medical conditions can also contribute.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I am underweight" functions as a statement of condition, indicating the speaker's current body weight status. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

51%

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I am underweight" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression for describing one's body weight status. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from personal health discussions to medical consultations. The phrase primarily functions to inform or describe, and its usage spans across neutral and formal registers. Frequent contexts include science and news & media, highlighting its relevance in health-related discussions and reporting. While the phrase is generally accepted, it's important to provide context when using it, such as discussing potential health implications. As such, "I am underweight" serves as a straightforward descriptor with practical applications in health and wellness conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I have a low weight

Focuses on having a low weight rather than being underweight.

I am below the normal weight

Uses "below the normal weight" instead of underweight.

My weight is too low

States that the weight is too low instead of referring to being underweight.

I am skinnier than I should be

Emphasizes being skinnier than desired, implying underweight.

I'm not heavy enough

Indicates a lack of sufficient weight.

I'm lighter than I should be

Focuses on being lighter, implying an underweight condition.

I am thin

Simply states being thin, which can imply being underweight depending on the context.

My BMI is low

Refers to a low Body Mass Index, a metric for underweight.

I struggle to gain weight

Highlights the difficulty in gaining weight, often associated with being underweight.

I am petite

Suggests a small and delicate build, which might correlate with being underweight.

FAQs

What does it mean if I am underweight?

Being underweight typically means your body mass index (BMI) is below 18.5, indicating that you may not have enough body mass for optimal health. This can be due to various factors, including diet, genetics, or underlying medical conditions.

What are some possible causes of being underweight?

Possible causes include insufficient calorie intake, high metabolism, genetic predisposition, certain medical conditions, and eating disorders. Consulting a healthcare professional can help identify the specific cause in your case.

What are some other ways to say "I am underweight"?

You can use alternatives like "I have a low weight", "I am below the normal weight", or "My weight is too low" depending on the context.

Is it always unhealthy to be underweight?

While being underweight can pose health risks such as weakened immune system and nutrient deficiencies, it is not always unhealthy. Some individuals naturally have a lower body weight without experiencing adverse effects. However, it's essential to ensure you are getting adequate nutrition and consult with a healthcare professional if concerned.