Calculatrice d’IMC anorexique
The detailed guide below is currently available in English.
What the 17.5 threshold means
International guidance (ICD-10 and WHO descriptions of anorexia nervosa) has long used a body mass index below 17.5 as one supporting sign in adults. It is a weight-for-height screen, nothing more: the same BMI can reflect very different bodies, and a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa also involves fear of weight gain, body-image disturbance, and physiological findings that only a clinician can evaluate.
If the result worries you
Low weight and restrictive eating are treatable, and earlier support usually means an easier recovery. Consider speaking with your primary care doctor, a registered dietitian, or an eating-disorder specialist; most countries also run free helplines staffed by trained volunteers. If someone you care about shows these signs, a gentle, non-judgmental conversation is a good first step. This calculator is informational only and is not medical advice.
Questions fréquentes
Does a BMI below 17.5 mean I have anorexia?
No. The 17.5 marker is one piece of clinical guidance used when assessing adults. Diagnosis requires a full evaluation of eating behavior, thoughts, and physical health by a qualified professional. A low BMI can also have unrelated medical causes.
Is the threshold the same for men and women?
The numeric screen is the same, but presentation often differs: men are underdiagnosed partly because their symptoms are less stereotyped. Anyone of any gender can develop an eating disorder, and anyone deserves assessment and support.