A person's ideal, healthy body weight varies depending on a variety of factors, including age, height, gender, bone density and frame size. Maintaining a weight below one's ideal weight range poses a number of risks, including increased risk for infection, anemia, osteoporosis and other conditions. To determine whether your body weight is healthy, get guidance from a medical professional.
Nutrient Deficiency
When one's weight drops dangerously low, nutrient deficiency becomes a significant risk. According to the American Dietetic Association, healthy body weight is indicated by a body mass index (BMI) score between 18.5 and 24.9. An article published in Today's Dietitian in January 2008 explains that being underweight, or having a BMI score below 18.5, can lead to lack of proper nutrients--including vitamins, minerals and important antioxidants. Lack of vital nutrients puts one at heightened risk for serious conditions such as osteoporosis (fragile or brittle bones) and anemia (iron deficiency).
Pregnancy Complications and Infertility
Because low body weight can affect hormone levels and lead to amenorreah, or absence of menstruation, underweight women may suffer pregnancy complications. Such women are also at increased risk for infertility. According to the Prevention of Infertility Clinic, body fat plays a significant role in reproductive health. Those who have excess or too little body fat may have a difficult time becoming pregnant.
According to Today's Dietitian, unexplained body weight may be indicative of a variety of health conditions. Thus, proper medical examination is recommended. It also suggests that emotional stress can affect appetite, eating habits and body weight. If dieting or weight control are the cause of your underweight symptoms, get psychological help. These thoughts and behaviors may be indicative of an eating disorder. Once your weight has returned to a healthy range, fertility and reproductive health are likely to improve.
Infections and Disease
Proper nutrition is required in order to support the body's ability to fend off or fight infections and disease. According to the National Health System in England, low body weight can lead to nutrient deficiency, which leads to a dampened immune system and increased risk for colds, flu and other conditions. In addition, poor caloric intake can lead to physical weakness and lethargy because glucose, the body's primary source of fuel found in carbohydrates, isn't being consumed in appropriate amounts. When body strength is reduced, a person is more susceptible to infections and disease and less efficient in healing. Because a variety of factors are involved in low body weight, thorough medical and psychological testing is recommended for best results.
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