Concerns About Weight
Hello everyone! A bit of context: I'm 22 years old, standing at 5 feet 1 inch tall, and I weigh approximately 97 pounds. Lately, I’ve received several remarks regarding my weight, prompting me to purchase a scale. For the first time ever, I've found myself below the 100-pound mark. I’ve experienced significant changes in my life recently— I've stopped using birth control, nicotine, and marijuana. It’s been about two years since I discontinued my birth control, and I quit nicotine and weed just a month ago. Exercise has never been my forte; although I dabbled in hot yoga for a month this year, I haven’t engaged in any workout routines since then. On a daily basis, I typically consume two meals and don’t consciously limit their calorie content. I enjoy my carbs and proteins, with a particular fondness for pasta and bread— they’re a staple in my meals. I’m uncertain how long I’ve been maintaining a weight under 100 pounds since I haven’t weighed myself in about 24 months. Hence, I can’t pinpoint when my weight loss began. However, I recall that during the ages of 17 to 20, I consistently weighed around 105 pounds, which is why I feel concerned. Overall, I am satisfied with my energy levels and my body. I haven’t had any issues keeping up with my daily activities. Apologies for the lengthy message, but I thought providing more details might be helpful. Should I actively work towards gaining weight, or should I merely monitor my weight to see if I continue to lose more? Thank you very much for your insights!
Answers (1)
8/13/2025, 10:50:48 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your situation so openly; I can see you have thoughtfully considered your health and lifestyle changes. Your weight indicates you might be on the lower end of the spectrum, especially for your height. Here are my main points regarding your concerns about weight:
- Monitor your weight to establish a clearer trend.
- Focus on healthy weight gain if you consistently weigh below 100 pounds.
- Consider nutritional adjustments and gentle exercise.
Explanation:
At 5 feet 1 inch tall and weighing around 97 pounds, your Body Mass Index (BMI) is approximately 24, which falls within the normal weight range but is on the low side. It's great that you feel energized and can carry out daily activities; however, weight changes, especially after stopping birth control and substance use, should be monitored.
Since you are satisfied with your energy levels and not experiencing health issues, the immediate step is to keep an eye on your weight over the next few weeks, ideally making it a part of a routine. This will help establish whether you are consistently staying under 100 pounds or if the weight change stabilizes.
Next Steps:
-
Regular Weight Monitoring: Weigh yourself once a week at the same time of day, ideally in the morning before eating. This will help you track any significant changes.
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Nutritional Focus: Aim to add calorie-dense, nutritious foods to your meals. Consider incorporating snacks such as:
- Nuts and nut butter
- Smoothies with yogurt and fruits
- Whole grains like oats and quinoa
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Gentle Physical Activity: Since exercise is not your forte, introduce light activities gradually, such as walking, which can help stimulate your appetite without feeling overwhelming.
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Reflect on Your Meals: Since you enjoy carbs and proteins, ensure you’re pairing them with healthy fats. For example, combining pasta with olive oil and veggies can enhance the meal’s calorie content.
If your weight consistently drops below 95 pounds or you start experiencing any health concerns (like fatigue, changes in mood, or decreased energy), consider this a signal to reach out for professional support.
Feel free to ask if you have any further questions, and take care of yourself!
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