Underweight: Difference between revisions
From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Underweight | |||
| image = [[File:Body_mass_index_chart.svg|250px]] | |||
| caption = A [[Body mass index|BMI]] chart showing the underweight range | |||
| field = [[Endocrinology]], [[Nutrition]] | |||
| synonyms = Low body weight | |||
| symptoms = [[Fatigue]], [[dizziness]], [[hair loss]], [[amenorrhea]] | |||
| complications = [[Malnutrition]], [[osteoporosis]], [[infertility]], [[immune system|immune dysfunction]] | |||
| onset = Any age | |||
| duration = Variable | |||
| causes = [[Malnutrition]], [[eating disorders]], [[chronic disease]], [[genetic factors]] | |||
| risks = [[Anemia]], [[heart problems]], [[reduced muscle strength]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Body mass index|BMI]] < 18.5 | |||
| differential = [[Hyperthyroidism]], [[celiac disease]], [[cancer]], [[tuberculosis]] | |||
| prevention = Balanced diet, regular health check-ups | |||
| treatment = Nutritional support, addressing underlying conditions | |||
| medication = [[Nutritional supplements]] | |||
| prognosis = Variable, depending on cause | |||
| frequency = Varies by population | |||
| deaths = Rare, but possible due to complications | |||
}} | |||
{{Short description|An overview of underweight and its implications on health.}} | {{Short description|An overview of underweight and its implications on health.}} | ||
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. | 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 == | == Causes == | ||
There are several potential causes of being underweight, including: | There are several potential causes of being underweight, including: | ||
* '''[[Malnutrition]]''': Inadequate intake of nutrients can lead to underweight. | * '''[[Malnutrition]]''': Inadequate intake of nutrients can lead to underweight. | ||
* '''[[Metabolic disorders]]''': Conditions like [[hyperthyroidism]] can increase metabolism and lead to weight loss. | * '''[[Metabolic disorders]]''': Conditions like [[hyperthyroidism]] can increase metabolism and lead to weight loss. | ||
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* '''[[Eating disorders]]''': Disorders like [[anorexia nervosa]] and [[bulimia nervosa]] can result in being underweight. | * '''[[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. | * '''[[Genetics]]''': Some individuals may naturally have a lower body weight due to genetic factors. | ||
== Health Implications == | == Health Implications == | ||
Being underweight can have several health implications, including: | Being underweight can have several health implications, including: | ||
* '''[[Immune system]]''': A weakened immune system, making one more susceptible to infections. | * '''[[Immune system]]''': A weakened immune system, making one more susceptible to infections. | ||
* '''[[Osteoporosis]]''': Increased risk of bone fractures due to low bone density. | * '''[[Osteoporosis]]''': Increased risk of bone fractures due to low bone density. | ||
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* '''[[Fertility issues]]''': Potential problems with fertility and pregnancy. | * '''[[Fertility issues]]''': Potential problems with fertility and pregnancy. | ||
* '''[[Growth and development]]''': In children and adolescents, underweight can affect growth and development. | * '''[[Growth and development]]''': In children and adolescents, underweight can affect growth and development. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
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. | 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 == | == Management == | ||
Management of underweight involves addressing the underlying cause and may include: | Management of underweight involves addressing the underlying cause and may include: | ||
* '''Nutritional support''': Increasing caloric intake with a balanced diet. | * '''Nutritional support''': Increasing caloric intake with a balanced diet. | ||
* '''Medical treatment''': Treating any underlying medical conditions. | * '''Medical treatment''': Treating any underlying medical conditions. | ||
* '''Psychological support''': Counseling for those with eating disorders. | * '''Psychological support''': Counseling for those with eating disorders. | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
Preventing underweight involves ensuring adequate nutrition and addressing any medical or psychological issues that may contribute to weight loss. | Preventing underweight involves ensuring adequate nutrition and addressing any medical or psychological issues that may contribute to weight loss. | ||
== See also == | |||
== | |||
* [[Body Mass Index]] | * [[Body Mass Index]] | ||
* [[Malnutrition]] | * [[Malnutrition]] | ||
* [[Eating disorders]] | * [[Eating disorders]] | ||
* [[Metabolic disorders]] | * [[Metabolic disorders]] | ||
[[Category:Health]] | [[Category:Health]] | ||
[[Category:Nutrition]] | [[Category:Nutrition]] | ||
Latest revision as of 19:40, 8 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics
| Underweight | |
|---|---|
| File:Body mass index chart.svg | |
| Synonyms | Low body weight |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Fatigue, dizziness, hair loss, amenorrhea |
| Complications | Malnutrition, osteoporosis, infertility, immune dysfunction |
| Onset | Any age |
| Duration | Variable |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Malnutrition, eating disorders, chronic disease, genetic factors |
| Risks | Anemia, heart problems, reduced muscle strength |
| Diagnosis | BMI < 18.5 |
| Differential diagnosis | Hyperthyroidism, celiac disease, cancer, tuberculosis |
| Prevention | Balanced diet, regular health check-ups |
| Treatment | Nutritional support, addressing underlying conditions |
| Medication | Nutritional supplements |
| Prognosis | Variable, depending on cause |
| Frequency | Varies by population |
| Deaths | Rare, but possible due to complications |
An overview of underweight and its implications on health.
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
Preventing underweight involves ensuring adequate nutrition and addressing any medical or psychological issues that may contribute to weight loss.
