For many years, society has debated weight and its impact on individual health. Based on the information we’ve all received, stigmas have been developed, beauty standards have been influenced, and views have been formed. But what exactly is a healthy weight? Though the information about weight and health is changing, you may still equate being overweight with poor health. However, being underweight might have a severe impact on your health. If you’re unsure what a healthy weight is, you’re not alone, especially in a society where being slim is preferred. However, it is critical to remember that you cannot perceive a healthy weight. In reality, an accurate healthy weight varies from person to person and is determined by many factors.
Healthy Weight Definition
How can you tell whether you’re a healthy weight? Many healthcare providers employ mathematical equations as tools, such as the body mass index (BMI). The BMI determines your weight status by comparing your weight to your height. The formula calculates body fatness, which doctors use as a screening tool to identify disease risk. On the other hand, BMI is not intended to be a diagnostic tool for body fatness or a single indicator of general health. For example, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered a normal or healthy weight, whereas a BMI less than 18.5 is considered underweight.
BMI is an outdated and biased weight and health measurement technique that ignores critical factors that influence both, including body composition, ethnicity, race, gender, and age. Despite its flaws, BMI is frequently utilized in the medical field since it is a cheap and rapid way to assess possible health status and outcomes. Body composition analysis may provide a more precise image of your weight and health. Body composition analyzes how much of your overall weight is made up of lean muscle mass and how much is made up of fat. The percentage of body fat is used to evaluate health. Men have a healthy body fat percentage of 17.6 to 25.3%, while women have a healthy body fat proportion of 28.8 to 35.7%. Athletes, on the other hand, can have lower body fat percentages as well as be at a healthy weight.
Underweight Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of being underweight or malnourished vary greatly. Underweight people may experience great weariness, low blood pressure, and possibly low blood sugar. They may also experience dizziness, nausea, and coldness. In addition, due to a lack of vitamins and minerals involved in muscular contraction and relaxation, such as magnesium and potassium, they may have difficulty sleeping and feel muscle cramps. Read on to learn about the health dangers of being underweight and the symptoms.
The Dangers of Being Underweight
We tend to focus on issues linked with being overweight when it comes to weight and the risk of health problems. However, being underweight can be just as harmful to your health. Some health issues you may encounter as an underweight person include vitamin shortages, osteoporosis, reduced immunological function, and infertility.
Deficiencies in Vitamins
Vitamins and minerals are substances that your body requires to function properly. If you are underweight, you may not acquire enough energy and nutrients to keep a healthy weight. This indicates you might not obtain enough vitamins and minerals. If you’re underweight, you’re more prone to suffer vitamin deficiencies. A lack of critical nutrients has an impact on how your body functions. These dietary deficiencies can lead to health concerns such as anemia from a lack of iron, or vitamin B12, folate, and poor wound healing from a lack of vitamin C, or night blindness from a lack of vitamin A.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a dangerous bone disease resulting in porous, brittle bones prone to fracture. Unfortunately,it can affect anyone at any age. Poor nutrition, on the other hand, raises your risk. To create bone mass throughout childhood and maintain bone mass as an adult, you need an ample supply of calcium and vitamin D. If you’re underweight and not receiving enough calcium or vitamin D, you’re probably not getting enough calcium or vitamin D. In reality, vitamin D is a substance that many underweight people do not get enough of.
Immune System Dysfunction
Your immune system aids in the battle against infections and illnesses. Though no single food or supplement may improve your immune health, a well-balanced diet rich in essential nutrients will help your immune system work optimally. If you are underweight due to not eating enough, you may not acquire all the nutrients required for a healthy immune system. This may impair your immune system and put you in danger of catching every cold that circulates in your workplace.
Obstacles to Fertility
Your body requires a specific amount of fat to function properly, and there is a link between low body fat and being underweight. Though most people believe eating too much fat is detrimental to your health, not eating enough is also bad. You may have fertility issues if you are underweight with a low body fat percentage. Inadequate body fat influences hormone synthesis, causing reproductive issues in both men and women.
What Should You Do If You’re Underweight?
Consult with your primary care practitioner if you are underweight and want to enhance your weight. They can accurately examine your weight and how it may affect your health and provide instructions tailored to your specific needs. Though eating influences weight, other factors such as heredity, physical activity, and medicine also influence body size. Inquire with a medical expert about these variables and how they may affect you. You should also consult a doctor about what you may do to gain weight and the best fitness plan for your specific situation.
Weight Discrimination
Though thinness is frequently regarded as “ideal,” there is a weight bias against petite people. Many people believe it is appropriate to make remarks about someone being too thin and how they should eat more in order to gain weight. However, health and weight are not the same. Being petite, or even underweight by numbers, does not necessitate gaining weight. A healthy weight isn’t always “visible,” and it’s not necessarily a clue that something is wrong or that a person has an eating disorder.
Healthy Weight Gain Tips
Gaining weight might be as difficult for some people as losing weight. Consuming high-calorie foods may result in weight gain, but it does not always give your body the nutrition it requires. A well-balanced diet rich in nutrient-dense foods is required for healthy weight gain. When gaining weight, you should aim for a healthy mix of muscle and body fat. Muscle mass can be increased through strength exercises. When working out to develop muscle mass, ensure you consume adequate protein. Protein-rich foods include meat, poultry, fish, beans, nuts, seeds, and dairy products. To achieve your protein requirements, include a protein-rich food at each meal.
Kim’s Final Thoughts…
Weight isn’t always a good sign of health. A healthy weight differs from person to person and is not something that can be “seen.” However, being underweight due to not eating enough impacts your health now and in the future. Schedule an consultation with a primary care provider if you are concerned about your weight and how it is affecting your health.
