Side of Effects of Being Underweight

Some people in society view being thin as a positive thing. But if a person is too thin, there are several side effects and risk factors.

Size

• A person's body mass index (BMI) can be used to gauge weight. According to the Mayo Clinic, the ideal BMI ranges from 18.4 to 24.9. Anyone with a BMI of less than 18.4 is underweight. BMI doesn't consider factors such as bone density or muscle mass. Therefore, people with a large muscle mass might be regarded as overweight on the index. People with low muscle mass could show up as underweight.

Side Effects

• There are several side effects associated with being underweight. These include a weakened immune system, hormone imbalance, hair loss, osteoporosis, anemia and malnutrition. Underweight women might also experience difficulties conceiving a child. There are also additional health risks for the fetus during a pregnancy.

Causes

• Several conditions result in a low body weight. Stressful situations such as the loss of a loved one cause some people to lose their appetite and shed pounds. An unrealistic body image is another cause. Many people have an unrealistic body image and try to lose weight. Certain diseases also result in weight loss.

Solution

• If you're underweight, the first step is to increase your daily caloric intake. Consult with a dietitian or your health care provider to determine how many calories you require on a daily basis.

Misconceptions

• Being underweight is not synonymous with being anorexic or bulimic, although people who are anorexic or bulimic usually are also underweight, but the same is not true for the reverse. Anorexia and bulimia are diseases. They require separate treatment and counseling.