Size 0 has become a controversial topic in recent years as extremely thin models and celebrities have made this size seem like the ideal. However, size 0 simply refers to the smallest size on the standard US clothing size chart – it does not necessarily mean someone is underweight. Many factors like height, build, and body composition determine what size is healthiest for each individual. This article will examine whether size 0 is inherently “skinny,” look at healthy weights for different heights, and provide tips for achieving your best size in a healthy way.
What does size 0 mean?
Size 0 is the smallest size on the standard US women’s clothing size chart. It corresponds to a waist measurement of roughly 22-23 inches and a hip measurement of 32-33 inches. However, sizes are not standardized across all clothing brands – a size 0 at one store may fit differently than a 0 at another store.
Size 0 first appeared as an official US size in the 1960s as fashions shifted towards more slim-fitting clothes. At the time, it was created to accommodate the very slim frames of models like Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton who embodied the “waif” look trend. However, size 0 was not widely manufactured or used until much later. It did not achieve widespread popularity until the late 1990s and early 2000s when very thin celebrities made it seem glamorous. This led to extensive vanity sizing where brands shifted their size charts to make women feel better about wearing smaller sizes. So the size 0 of today is not the same as the original size 0.
While size 0 may be tiny, it does not automatically mean the person wearing it is underweight. Two women of the same height and size 0 could look very different in real life. A size 0 on someone who is 4’11 may look slender but healthy, while the same size on someone who is 5’7 may indicate they are underweight. The only way to determine if someone is underweight for their height and build is by looking at their BMI.
Is size 0 skinny for the average woman?
For the average height woman in the US, size 0 is very slender and indicates being significantly underweight.
According to the CDC, the average height for an American woman 20 years old and up is just over 5’4″ (63.7 inches). At this height:
– A healthy weight is roughly 111-150 pounds
– A BMI of 18.5-24.9 is considered a healthy weight range
– A size 0 generally corresponds to a weight of 100-115 pounds and a BMI of 15.5-18.5 for a woman of average height
So for a woman of average height, size 0 falls at the extreme low end of the healthy BMI range or even below it. This indicates a very slender or underweight frame.
However, healthy weights always depend on individual factors like:
– Muscle mass – Athletes may weigh more due to muscle but be very fit
– Bone structure – Petite bone structure means you will weigh less
– Body fat percentage – Focusing on body fat over weight provides a clearer health picture
But in general, size 0 represents a very low weight for the average height woman in the US. It puts them at risk for deficiencies and health issues caused by restrictive diets and low intake. So for most women, size 0 is considered very skinny.
Average weights for women by height
Here are the average healthy weights for women of different heights:
| Height | Healthy Weight Range (lbs) | Size 0 Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| 4’10 | 91-118 | 85-100 |
| 4’11 | 94-123 | 90-105 |
| 5’0 | 97-127 | 95-110 |
| 5’1 | 100-131 | 100-115 |
| 5’2 | 104-135 | 105-120 |
| 5’3 | 107-140 | 110-125 |
| 5’4 | 111-144 | 115-130 |
| 5’5 | 114-149 | 120-135 |
| 5’6 | 118-154 | 125-140 |
| 5’7 | 121-159 | 130-145 |
As shown in this table, size 0 weights start to border on underweight even for shorter women. For average and taller women, size 0 indicates being significantly underweight.
Is being a size 0 unhealthy?
Being an actual size 0 is not inherently unhealthy. Some women are naturally very slim with narrow bone structure and fast metabolisms that keep weight down. If their low weight is natural for their build and they eat a balanced, nutrient-dense diet, then being a size 0 can be healthy for them.
However, there are some health risks associated with being size 0 for those who are not naturally that slim:
Nutrient deficiencies
When you severely restrict calories to maintain an extremely low weight, you often miss out on important nutrients. Lack of protein, calcium, iron, and other nutrients can cause hair loss, brittle nails and bones, fatigue, weakness, and illness.
Bone loss
Having very little body fat and being underweight stresses the body. It responds by breaking down bone tissue to access stored calcium, which leads to osteopenia or osteoporosis.
Organ stress
Very low body weight and body fat percentages strain organs like the heart. The heart has to work harder to pump blood through the body. Prolonged organ stress leads to problems like arrhythmias, organ damage, and heart failure.
Hormone disruption
Being underweight and over-exercising disrupt hormones like estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, and thyroid hormone. This can lead to irregular periods, infertility, anxiety, depression, and other issues in women.
Immune function impairment
Not getting adequate nutrition suppresses the immune system. This makes underweight people more susceptible to frequent colds, flu, infections, and illness.
So being size 0 can be unhealthy if it is the result of restrictive dieting and involves being underweight for your build. The health risks come from poor nutrition and the body strain of maintaining abnormally low weight, not from the size 0 clothing itself.
Tips for achieving your best size healthily
Aim for achieving your best size in a healthy, sustainable way with these tips:
Focus on health, not numbers
Forget about specific sizes, weights or measurements. Instead, focus on eating nutritious foods, exercising, reducing stress, and feeling your best. Let weight settle where it’s healthiest for your body.
Strength train
Lifting weights builds lean muscle mass which helps boost metabolism and burn fat. It also supports bone and hormone health.
Practice intuitive eating
Listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues. Eat what you crave in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet.
Slow down
Take time to enjoy and savor meals. Fast eating often leads to overeating. Thoroughly chew each bite.
Manage stress
High cortisol from chronic stress signals the body to store more fat, especially around the midsection. Counter it with deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or soothing music.
Get enough sleep
Lack of sleep disrupts hunger-regulating hormones. Aim for 7-9 hours per night for improved appetite control.
Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Thirst is often mistaken for hunger. Water also boosts metabolism.
See your doctor
Get your vitamin levels, hormone function, thyroid function, and overall health checked if making changes to reach a very low weight like size 0.
The bottom line
Size 0 is considered very slender for average height women in the US. It can indicate being underweight. Very low body weight stresses organs and often results from nutrient deficiencies. But if size 0 is natural for your build, it can be healthy with proper self-care and nutrition. Focus on health first – not specific size numbers.