Although our body weight is known to vary, a sustained or inadvertent loss of more than 5% of our real weight in 6 to 12 months should be cause for concern. While the negative impacts of obesity are often discussed, the negative implications of being underweight are rarely discussed. However, studies suggest that being underweight increases the likelihood of acquiring a variety of health problems, such as heart disease, bone loss, iron deficiency anemia, and gynecological disorders.
What does it mean to be underweight?
If a person weighs less than what the body requires to operate correctly, they are considered underweight. There is no set scale for determining a person’s healthy weight. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference, on the other hand, can be used to determine a healthy weight range. BMI is a method of calculating body fat based on height and weight.
BMI readings can be interpreted as follows:
A BMI which is less than 18.5 is considered underweight.
If your BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9, you’re in the normal weight range.
A BMI between 25.0 and 29.9 means overweight.
Obese: If your BMI is 30.0 or higher, you’re obese.
Obesity raises the chance of having a variety of health problems, but being underweight is just as dangerous. If an underweight person experiences signs such as persistent weariness, loss of appetite, or an increased occurrence of diseases and infections, they should see a doctor.
Underweight the underlying causes:
The following are some of the most common causes of being underweight:
A person can become underweight if they do not eat a healthy, balanced meal on a regular basis.
Medical conditions: Eating disorders, hyperthyroidism, heart, kidney, lung, or liver problems, and infections such as chronic gastroenteritis or tuberculosis (TB) can all cause significant weight loss. Sudden weight loss can be caused by tumors and malignancies, but the diagnosis can only be verified after extensive testing.
Stress, anxiety, and sadness have all been linked to a decrease in appetite, which can lead to weight loss, according to studies.
What are the dangers of being underweight for your health?
According to studies, underweight persons suffer from nutritional inadequacies, which raises their chance of acquiring a variety of debilitating ailments. The following are some of the health hazards connected with being underweight:
Gradual bone loss: A low BMI has been linked to a reduction in bone mineral density. According to a study published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice, being underweight increases a woman’s risk of developing osteoporosis, a bone condition marked by the excessive bone loss which makes the bone brittle and increases the risk of fractures.
Reduced immune function: According to review research published in the Journal of Nutrition, protein shortage causes a decrease in the generation of white blood cells and antibodies in response to a viral infection in people with a low BMI. It’s also been proven that underweight people’s immune systems are ineffective when they don’t get enough protein, fat, and other nutrients in their bodies.
Heart disease: Minerals like potassium, sodium, and calcium are needed to keep the heartbeat constant. In malnourished and underweight people, an imbalance of these vital minerals causes abnormal cardiac rhythms. According to a study published in the journal Medicine in 2017, underweight participants had a 19.7% higher chance of getting cardiovascular illnesses than normal-weight participants out of 491,773 participants. Underweight people are also more likely to develop cardiac illnesses like mitral valve prolapse, arrhythmias, and even heart failure, according to studies.
Surgical problems: Studies show that persons who are underweight are more likely to have issues during and after procedures like coronary bypass surgery and lung transplants. Underweight patients who had total knee replacement surgery were more likely to acquire infections afterward, according to a study in the Journal of Orthopedic Science in 2017.
Skin and hair problems: Underweight people tend to have thinning and drying skin, as well as excessive hair fall, due to a lack of nutrients in their bodies.
Underweight people experience constant exhaustion as a result of a shortage of calories in their bodies.
Anemia: Underweight people are more likely to develop anaemia because they have a low red blood cell count in their bodies due to a lack of iron in their diet. Dizziness, headaches, and persistent weariness are all symptoms of anaemia.
Irregular menstrual cycle: Women who are underweight may have irregular, delayed, or absent periods. Infertility can also be caused by persistent irregularities or the absence of menses.
Preterm labour: According to a study published in the journal BJOG in 2016, underweight pregnant women have a higher risk of giving birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Premature birth can result in long-term intellectual and developmental impairments.
Tips to keep your weight in check:
To get to a healthy weight, an underweight person should see their doctor or a dietician for a full evaluation and treatment plan. The following measures may aid in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight:
Eat 5 to 6 smaller meals throughout the day instead of three large meals.
Every day, consume a minimum of 5 portions of fruits and vegetables. Include whole-grain bread, pasta, and cereals in your diet, as well as fruits and veggies, dairy products, beans, lentils, fish, meats, eggs, oily fish, nuts, and seeds.
Drinking drinks right before a meal can suppress your appetite. Water or another fluid should be consumed 30 min after or before a meal.
Nut butter, seeds, dried fruits, cheese, and avocados are all good sources of healthful fats.
To increase muscle mass and stimulate the appetite, exercise for at least 30 min on a daily basis. Muscle mass can also be gained by bodyweight or strength training exercises.
Conclusion:
A person who is underweight does not have enough nutrition in their body to keep their bones, skin, hair, and other critical organs healthy. A healthy weight can be achieved through medical care, a well-balanced diet, and frequent exercise. To avoid difficulties, underweight women should see their doctor before considering pregnancy.
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