Underweight
An overview of underweight and its implications on health.
Underweight[edit | edit source]
Underweight is a condition where an individual has a body weight considered too low to be healthy. It is often defined using the Body Mass Index (BMI), a measure that compares weight to height. A BMI below 18.5 is typically classified as underweight.
Causes[edit | edit source]
There are several potential causes of being underweight, including:
- Malnutrition: Inadequate intake of nutrients can lead to underweight.
- Metabolic disorders: Conditions like hyperthyroidism can increase metabolism and lead to weight loss.
- Chronic diseases: Diseases such as cancer, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS can cause weight loss.
- Eating disorders: Disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa can result in being underweight.
- Genetics: Some individuals may naturally have a lower body weight due to genetic factors.
Health Implications[edit | edit source]
Being underweight can have several health implications, including:
- Immune system: A weakened immune system, making one more susceptible to infections.
- Osteoporosis: Increased risk of bone fractures due to low bone density.
- Anemia: A deficiency in red blood cells or hemoglobin.
- Fertility issues: Potential problems with fertility and pregnancy.
- Growth and development: In children and adolescents, underweight can affect growth and development.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis of underweight typically involves calculating the Body Mass Index and assessing dietary intake, medical history, and physical examination. Additional tests may be conducted to identify underlying causes.
Management[edit | edit source]
Management of underweight involves addressing the underlying cause and may include:
- Nutritional support: Increasing caloric intake with a balanced diet.
- Medical treatment: Treating any underlying medical conditions.
- Psychological support: Counseling for those with eating disorders.
Prevention[edit | edit source]
Preventing underweight involves ensuring adequate nutrition and addressing any medical or psychological issues that may contribute to weight loss.
Related pages[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
