Underweight – Dietary Restrictions or Behavior?
The term underweight refers to an individual with body mass index (BMI) below 18.5. However; such a cutoff point is less accurate than that of obesity as underweight has been less studied. BMI is a statistical estimate and must be stressed that optimum weight varies from individual to individual.
It is therefore crucial to understand that some individuals with a body mass index below18.5 may be perfectly healthy. The causes of underweight are not altogether dissimilar from those that cause obesity. Rate of metabolism, satiety signal irregularities, genetic tendencies and psychological traits are all contributory factors.
Causes and Treatment of Underweight
The most common cause of underweight is primarily malnutrition due to poor food supply. When adequate food resources are available it is generally the result of mental or physical disease. It can be caused by a variety of other reasons including anorexia nervosa, digestive tract disorders, unreasonable physical activity, infectious disease, intestinal worms, cancer, tuberculosis, heart disorders and nephritis.
| |
It is daily that one hears about the health dangers of obesity but seldom of underweight as it is socially more acceptable than obesity.
Underweight due to an inadequate caloric intake is a serious condition, most importantly in young people. Health problems associated with this condition include pregnancy complications, slow recovery after illness and loss of menstrual cycles. Significant underweight is also linked with increased death rates. When underweight may necessitates specific or medical intervention especially in the case of unexplained weight loss.
Some of the most common approaches for treating underweight individuals include regular meals, gradual portion increases of energy dense food, snack schedules, reduction of excessive physical activity and increase of muscle mass (weight training). Making an effort, to gain body mass and achieving minimum desired weight should prevent health problems associated with being underweight. If your weight is far below optimal you should ensure that you are obtaining adequate nutrients and if you wish to increase your weight to its ideal level, you must try to do this gradually.
underweight
Your Daily Serve of Health News
© 2009 HEALTH NEWS All Rights Reserved
Welcome back!