Underweight
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The term underweight refers to a human who is considered to be under a healthy weight. The definition is usually made with reference to the body mass index (BMI). Most consider individuals under 18.5 to be underweight, though some authorities use a higher value of 20. It is important to note that the BMI is a statistical estimate and some individuals classified as underweight may be perfectly healthy.
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[edit] Problems
Underweight individuals generally have poor physical stamina and a weak immune system, leaving them open to infection. According to Robert E. Black of the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, "Underweight status ... and micronutrient deficiencies also cause decreases in immune and non-immune host defences, and should be classified as underlying causes of death if followed by infectious diseases that are the terminal associated causes."[1] They are also at higher risk from heart disease, blood vessel disease, and osteoporosis[citation needed].
In women, being underweight can result in amenorrhoea (absence of periods) and possible complications during pregnancy.
[edit] Social problems
Anorexia and Bulimia are common problems in today's Western society. Some believe this is because tabloids and advertising companies focus on losing weight and obesity in America and abroad. Many underweight individuals seeking to gain weight would normally be discouraged or scorned for trying to gain weight. [citation needed]
[edit] Benefits of Weight Gain
Gaining muscle mass will help the body become stronger and fit, but fat plays an essential role in helping the human body function.
Fat helps to regulate menstrual periods in women, and it also helps to regulate nerve functions in the brain, especially in an infant. The nerve cells are covered by a bilipid layer called the myelin sheath, which increases neuron activity.
[edit] Causes
The causes of being underweight can be:
- Rapid metabolism
- Poor diet or starvation (malnutrition)
- Psychological problems (such as Anorexia nervosa, Body dysmorphic disorder, stress or anxiety)
- Weight loss due to chronic illnesses
- Hyperthyroidism
- Drug use (e.g. cocaine)
- Disease
[edit] Treatment
The treatment for an underweight individual is to increase the food energy intake so that more food energy is consumed than is being used as work. It is usually suggested that weight training is also to be undertaken to increase muscle mass.
It is easier to increase Caloric intake by drinking food energy rather than eating food energy. [citation needed] There are several high–food energy drinks available in supermarkets that dramatically supplement daily intake, even adding 350 Calories (1.5 kJ) per six fluid ounce (180 mL) bottle.
Another simple method of increasing one's daily food energy is to add high-calorie/high-fat condiments to foods or follow a meal with a simple snack. Good examples are:
- Nut butters such as peanut butter
- BBQ sauce
- Mayonnaise
- Butter
- Cream cheese
- Cheese
- Pudding
- Vegetable oils or salad dressing
It can be discouraging for those with medical conditions that make it difficult to maintain a socially acceptable body weight. Just as there are people who suffer from a need to lose weight to attain a certain body image, there are underweight people who desperately want to gain weight to look "normal". Support them with encouraging words and with respect, rather than using statements such as "You need to eat something." Don't assume that they want to look that way or they are staying thin on purpose. If you keep making comments about their weight they might, in some, cases stop going to public swimming pools or showing any part of their "bony" bodies or will always wear long sleeved shirts to hide their arms and wrists to avoid unwanted comments. [citation needed]
