What is Underweight?

Underweight refers to a condition where one’s bodyweight falls below the normal range. Too low a bodyweight is not considered healthy as it prevents the normal functions of the body. Technically, when a person’s Body Mass Index (BMI) becomes 18.5 or below, it is referred to as Underweight (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention).

To calculate BMI, one needs to divide his weight (in kilograms) by his height (in meters squared).

BMI = Weight (in kgs)/Height (in m2 )

Severely underweight individuals become malnourished as they lack vital nutrients essential for life. They have poor physical stamina and a weak immune system, leaving them vulnerable to infection. People become underweight either because they are not getting enough calories to fuel their body or their metabolic system is not absorbing enough nutrients from food. Low body weight can be addressed through a proper and balanced diet, calorie-conscious eating habits and proper exercise. A thorough evaluation is also necessary to eliminate any underlying medical condition.