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Reasons for Being Underweight

While many people view being underweight as a sign of good health, in reality, it could be the sign of an underlying health condition. Being underweight can lead to infertility, osteoporosis and a weakened immune system, as well as having negative psychological effects such as a poor self-image. There are several reasons why a person can be underweight.

  1. Naturally Thin

    • For some people, being underweight, defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 18.5 or less, is a result of a high metabolism rate or habitually consuming less food than heavier people. Working at a job that requires constant walking or motion such as a police foot patrolman or warehouse worker causes a rapid burning of calories that also serves to keep weight off.

    Eating Disorders

    • Eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia can also result in a person being underweight. While the root cause of these conditions is psychological, the physical effects can be devastating since the body is often deprived of necessary nutrients for survival. It can also lead to cardiovascular, pulmonary and weakened bone conditions and, in some situations, even death.

    Genetic Theories

    • There is a school of thought that being underweight is caused by a person's genetic makeup. Some genetic research has posited the theory that there are lean cells and fat cells, which could be why thinness and obesity can sometimes run in families. The theories indicate that a person' genetic disposition has a greater influence on weight than calorie consumption.

    Health Conditions

    • Being underweight can result from health conditions such as a sudden illness. The body will use any excess calories to ward off disease, which results in a loss of weight. Thyroid conditions can also result in the inability to keep on or gain weight. If sudden weight loss occurs, a visit to the family doctor is advisable.

    Gaining Weight

    • The most efficient way for an underweight person to gain weight is to increase the number of calories consumed per day. This can be achieved by first keeping a food diary for a week to determine what foods and how many calories are consumed, then swapping out the lower calorie items for higher ones. Rather than consuming mass quantities of food in two or three meals per day, it is better to eat several smaller meals throughout the day to avoid feeling bloated.

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