Is it healthier to be overweight or underweight? Both of them have advantages, as well as disadvantages. A person who is overweight will be more likely to survive with a shortage of food, but will be at higher risk for some diseases. On the other hand, someone who is underweight will be at lower risk for the same diseases, but will be less likely to survive during a shortage of food.
Determining BMI
The easiest way to determine if you are overweight, underweight or at a healthy weight is to calculate your body mass index. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, listed in the resources, offers a simple calculator and table to do this.
Pros of Overweight
While many view being overweight as bad, it does have its upsides. First, if you are overweight, it means you have a sufficient supply of food. Second, a study published in the British Medical Journal, states that people who have larger thighs are less likely to develop heart disease or encounter an early death. Lastly, according to a study done by the Miscarriage Association, women who are underweight, more specifically those who have a BMI under 18.5, are 72 percent more likely to miscarry during pregnancy.
Cons of Overweight
Of course there are disadvantages to being overweight as well. Those who are have a much higher risk of developing some diseases. Diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, strokes and cancer are the prominent ones. Other conditions are possible as well, such as increased cholesterol, sleep loss, gallstones, weak hip muscles and general discomfort.
Pros of Underweight
The advantages of being underweight are seriously limited. In fact, the only discernible benefits are that you are less likely to develop some of the diseases that an overweight person can, and you have low body fat.
Cons of Underweight
In many ways, being underweight is unhealthier than being overweight. First, you are still likely to develop diabetes, since rapid weight loss affects insulin production. Second, you are more susceptible to illness, since you lack muscle and fat to retain body heat. Third, your body has little fat or muscle to use as energy, so poor endurance ensures, as well as constant fatigue. Lastly, underweight women are far more likely to have a miscarriage, and have an increased risk of developing breast cancer.
Final Words
Nothing is a substitute for being at the proper weight and BMI. You should strive to eat six small, healthy meals per day, and engage in moderate physical activity at least 30 minutes a day, three times a week.
References
- Medical News Today; Individuals With Large Thighs Have a Lower Risk of Heart Disease and Early Death; September 2009
- "The Times"; Underweight Women '72% More Likely to Miscarry'; David Rose; December 2006
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; Do You Know the Health Risks of Being Overweight?; December 2007
- "Today's Dietitian"; Underweight: A Heavy Concern; Meghan A.T.B Reese; January 2008
- Food for Breast Cancer; Underweight and Breast Cancer Recurrence and Death: A Report From the Korean Breast Cancer Society; Moon HG, et al.; October 2009
