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Diseases Associated With Low Body Weight

Jul 17, 2011 | By Carly Schuna
Diseases Associated With Low Body Weight
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Obesity and overweight often get the majority of media attention in America, where at least two out of three adults weigh more than the high end of the healthy weight range. However, underweight can also be a serious problem. If your body mass index is lower than 18.5, you might be at increased risk for several diseases.

Nutrient Deficiencies

"If you're underweight, you may be lacking vital nutrients that your body needs to grow and work properly," say state nutrition professionals at the United Kingdom's National Health Service. Specifically, you might be at risk for bone loss or osteoporosis due to limited calcium intake or anemia due to an iron, vitamin B-12 or folate deficiency.

Heart Irregularities

Heart irregularities and blood vessel diseases are both possible side effects of chronic underweight, according to the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. Such diseases and conditions might include heart arrhythmia, vasculitis, heart murmur or heart palpitations.

Amenorrhea

Amenorrhea is a loss of menstrual periods for women and a condition that is far more likely to occur in underweight women. Amenorrhea increases the risk of future fertility problems for women, according to the NHS. MayoClinic.com also notes that women who suffer from amenorrhea are at an increased risk of developing osteoporosis.

Anorexia

Extreme skinniness is often culturally associated with anorexia, an eating disorder characterized by a constant desire to lose weight and a warped perception of body image. Dramatic weight loss and dieting when you are already very thin are common symptoms of anorexia.

Weight Loss Diseases

A separate set of diseases is associated with sudden and unexplained weight loss. In the January 2008 issue of "Today's Dietitian," Meghan Reese writes that "wasting diseases" such as diabetes, tuberculosis, hyperthyroidism, cancer, multiple sclerosis and Lou Gehrig's disease are specifically correlated with low body weight. "The correlation between disease and wasting has many causes, including drug- or illness-associated side effects such as nausea and appetite loss, infections, oral infections and debilitating fatigue," writes Reese.

Considerations

If you struggle with chronic underweight, you can reduce your disease risk by simply gaining weight healthfully. To do so, try working with a dietitian to form an eating plan that will increase your daily calorie count while focusing on nutrient-rich foods. For personalized health advice or screening for specific diseases, make an appointment with your doctor.

References

Article reviewed by OmahaTyppo Last updated on: Jul 17, 2011

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