Home Smoking. Smoking Local Support Understanding the dangers Smoking cessation referral. Drinking Worried about someone? Ways to cut down. Eating Overweight Underweight Your diet. Thinking Caring for someone. Fitness Young People Adults Technology. Sexual Wellbeing. Disability Young People Adults. Behavioural signs Constant or repetitive dieting Changes in eating habits Excessive or compulsive exercising Always going to the toilet after meals Often skipping meals Cooking lots of foods for others, but not eating any themselves Pushing food around the plate, or chopping into very small portions Evidence of binge eating Regularly weighing self and always looking in the mirror Evidence of vomiting or laxative abuse Only eating certain low-calorie foods like lettuce or celery when people are present.
Things to consider People who are underweight typically are not getting enough calories to fuel their bodies. This is especially true in children and teens, whose bodies need plenty of nutrients to grow and stay healthy. Fragile bones. A deficiency in vitamin D and calcium, along with low body weight, can lead to weak bones and osteoporosis. Weakened immune system. This makes it difficult to fight illness. It may also be difficult for your immune system to recover after being sick.
This condition can be caused by not having enough of the vitamins iron, folate, and B This can cause dizziness, fatigue, and headaches. Fertility issues. In women, low body weight can lead to irregular periods, lack of periods, and infertility. Hair loss. Low body weight can cause hair to thin and fall out easily. It also can cause dry, thin skin and health issues with teeth and gums. Low body weight is due to a variety of causes, including: Genetics. You also may have a naturally small appetite.
High physical activity. However, high physical activity also can be a part of an active job or an energetic personality. Talk to your doctor about sudden weight loss. Certain prescription medicines can cause nausea and weight loss. Some treatments, such as chemotherapy, can reduce appetite and worsen weight loss from illness.
Psychological issues. Our mental wellbeing affects every part of our lives. Things like stress and depression can disrupt healthy eating habits. Severe body image fears and distortions can lead to eating disorders.
He or she can help you get the care, assistance, or counseling you may need. Is being underweight more serious for babies? What are some affordable, healthy foods to help me gain weight? Should I stop exercising if I am underweight?
Should I stop taking my prescription medicine if I am underweight? Last Updated: August 13, This article was contributed by familydoctor. They can give you help and advice. If the healthy weight calculator has told you that you may be underweight, think about why this might be.
For example, have you:. If you feel anxious or worried when you think about food, or feel that stress or low self-esteem are affecting the way you eat, you may have an eating disorder. If you think you may have an eating disorder, talk to someone you trust. Consider speaking to a GP, because help is available. If you're concerned about someone else, find out how you can support them. If diet is the cause of your low weight, changing to a healthy, balanced diet that provides the right amount of calories for your age, height and how active you are can help you achieve a healthy weight.
Try to avoid relying on high-calorie foods full of saturated fat and sugar — such as chocolate, cakes and sugary drinks — to gain weight. These foods can increase body fat instead of lean body mass and increase your risk of developing high levels of cholesterol in your blood.
Instead, aim for regular meals and occasional snacks, and base your diet on the Eatwell Guide. This means:. If you're having foods and drinks that are high in fat , salt and sugar , have these less often and in small amounts.
Try to choose a variety of different foods from the 5 main food groups. Learn more about these food groups and how they form part of a healthy diet. However, it's important to remember that the Eatwell Guide is aimed at the general population. For those who need more specialised nutrition advice, consult a GP or a registered dietitian. If you do not eat meat, find out how to have a healthy vegetarian diet.
If you're trying to gain weight, eat foods that are not only healthy but also high in energy. Try the following:. Although fruit and vegetable juices and smoothies count towards your 5 A Day, remember to limit these to no more than a combined total of ml a day. Eating less and unintentional weight loss can affect older people.
But getting older does not mean that losing weight is inevitable. Find out what to do if you're over 60 and underweight. Page last reviewed: 21 April Next review due: 21 April
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