What Does "Underweight" Mean?

A person whose weight does not meet the standards of BMI (body mass index) or a person who is not consuming their daily body requirements, including calcium, minerals, and vitamins, and is malnourished is considered underweight.

Classification of Body Mass Index (BMI)

BMI is calculated based on your weight and height, taking into account your body fat. Here's a breakdown of the structure:

For Adults

• A BMI range of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered a healthy weight.
• Below 18.5 indicates being underweight.
• Above 24.9 indicates being obese or overweight.

Calculation of BMI

Your weight in kilograms or pounds is divided by the square of your height in meters or feet.

Underweight  Problems

Following are the issues that are faced by underweight adults;

Anemia

Anemia is characterized by a low blood count, which can be more common in underweight individuals compared to healthier individuals with higher red blood cell counts. People with anemia often experience constant fatigue and lethargy.

Irregular menstruation

Irregular menstruation is a common issue for underweight women, leading to irregular periods and hormonal imbalances.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition where underweight individuals are at risk of weak, fragile, and easily breakable bones.

Decreased immune function

Decreased immune function is observed in underweight individuals, leading to health problems such as fertility issues, surgical complications, and growth and development concerns.

Preterm birth

Preterm birth is a risk for pregnant women with low weight, potentially resulting in childbirth before 37 weeks, which poses risks to both the child and mother.

Skin and hair problems

Skin and hair problems are prevalent in underweight people who lack proper nutrients. These individuals often experience premature aging, dry skin, and hair loss.

Mental illness

Mental illness can arise from poor health, leading to conditions like depression, anxiety, and stress, often accompanied by disrupted eating patterns.

Causes of underweight

Following are the reasons why you are underweight

• Family history or genes
• High metabolism
• Physical activity
• Chronic disease
• Mental illness and more

Underweight child

For Children(Ages 2 to 18)

• Gender, age, weight, and height are used to calculate BMI.
• A BMI range between the 5th and 84th percentile is considered a healthy weight.
• Below the 5th percentile indicates an underweight child.

Tips to gain weight

Healthy weight is important for all of us and here are some unique and useful tips for all of you to follow and have a healthy weight gain;

1. Consume well-rounded meals throughout the day with essential nutrients like iron, calcium, vitamins, and minerals.
2. Incorporate healthy items into your diet, such as milk, nut butter, peanut butter, eggs, whole meal bread, avocados, red meat, grains, nuts, protein smoothies, fruits, and cheese.
3. Stay hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water.
4. Opt for more frequent meals and snacks.
5. Follow any supplement recommendations provided by your doctor.
6. Develop healthy sleeping habits to ensure proper rest.
7. Include high-calorie foods in your diet, but in moderation.
8. Avoid consuming water shortly before and after meals.

Conclusion

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is necessary for each of us, as it helps us avoid diseases and enables us to remain active and productive. Being active is essential for completing tasks on time.

If someone is underweight, they may tire easily and be unable to fully enjoy life. To stay healthy, wealthy, and wise, one must consider all factors contributing to being underweight and take appropriate measures to achieve their ideal body.