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Definition of Underweight

While being overweight is unhealthy, being underweight can do more damage to the body, according to the University of Mississippi's Medical Center. A higher percentage of people who are underweight suffer from high blood pressure than people who are slightly overweight.

  1. Requirements

    • The term underweight applies to those who have a body mass index of less than 18.5 or who weigh 10 percent less than their ideal weight.

    Causes

    • Causes of being underweight include malnutrition, overexercising, using stimulant drugs, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, disease and heredity.

    Effects

    • Being underweight leads to mental and physical fatigue, a dulled external appearance, an inability to fight off infectious diseases and infertility.

    Warning

    • The effects of being underweight can cause heart damage, bone loss and severe mood swings or depression. Consult a doctor for ways to increase weight in a healthy manner.

    Prevention

    • Eat a well-balanced diet, take vitamin and mineral supplements and get cardiovascular exercise three to five times per week to maintain a healthy weight.

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