What Dangers Come with Being Underweight?
A person may not be obtaining enough nutrients in their body to maintain healthy bones, skin, and hair if they are underweight. Additionally, fatigue, anemia, osteoporosis, and other symptoms may be present.
Although genetic predisposition or medical conditions may hinder weight gain, physicians can suggest strategies to help.
This article examines symptoms, causes, and recommendations for seeking medical attention for underweight individuals.
When is someone considered underweight?
To determine whether someone is underweight, healthy, or overweight, individuals should use their Body Mass Index (BMI) according to the CDC.
BMI relates weight to height and is a reliable weight indicator. For instance, a 170-pound tall individual might not be overweight, while a short person might be.
One can calculate their BMI using the CDC's Adult BMI Calculator. BMI ranges include:
- Underweight: under 18.5
- Healthy weight: 18.5 to 24.9
- Overweight: 25.0–29.9
- Obese: 30 or more
Elite athletes with substantial muscle mass might find these estimates slightly inaccurate as muscle weighs more than fat.
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Get A Second OpinionThe risks of being underweight
Both underweight and overweight statuses pose health risks.
Not all underweight individuals suffer negative consequences. However, some experience:
- Osteoporosis: Underweight women are more prone to brittle bones.
- Dental, skin, or hair issues: Inadequate nutrient intake causes symptoms like dry skin, hair loss, and poor dental health.
- Frequent illness: Insufficient energy from food weakens the body's ability to fight infections.
- Chronic fatigue: Inadequate calorie intake leads to persistent tiredness.
- Anemia: Low blood counts cause fatigue, headaches, and dizziness.
- Irregular periods: Women may experience irregular menstruation or infertility.
Underweight factors or combinations thereof:
- Genetic predisposition: Inherited traits can lead to low BMI.
- High metabolism: Some individuals struggle to gain weight despite consuming calorie-dense foods.
- Physical activity: Athletes and those with high activity levels burn many calories, maintaining lower body weight.
- Chronic illness: Conditions like cancer, diabetes, or gastrointestinal diseases affect weight gain through reduced appetite or metabolic disturbances.
- Psychological factors: Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or eating disorders impact appetite and body image.
Strategies to gain healthy weight, including:
- Nutritious, calorie-dense diet: Incorporate snacks like almonds, protein bars, or peanut butter crackers.
- Frequent small meals: Manage weight gain without overwhelming appetite.
- Calorie-rich additions: Enhance diet with nuts, seeds, or nut butter.
- Avoid empty calories: Opt for nutrient-rich foods to support weight gain effectively.
When to seek medical advice
Consult a physician if weight gain attempts fail or health issues arise due to underweight status, like infertility or irregular menstruation.
Individuals with eating disorders or mental health concerns should seek specialized care promptly. Symptoms include sudden weight loss, social withdrawal, or reluctance to eat in public.
Encourage affected individuals to seek professional help from a doctor or therapist promptly.
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