Risks associated with being underweight
Being underweight has its associated risks, listed below:
- Malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies, anemia (lowered ability to carry blood vessels)
- Osteoporosis, a disease that causes bone weakness, increasing the risk of breaking a bone
- A decrease in immune function
- Growth and development issues, particularly in children and teenagers
- Possible reproductive issues for women due to hormonal imbalances that can disrupt the menstrual cycle. Underweight women also have a higher chance of miscarriage in the first trimester
- Potential complications as a result of surgery
- Generally, an increased risk of mortality compared to those with a healthy BMI
In some cases, being underweight can be a sign of some underlying condition or disease such as anorexia nervosa, which has its risks. Consult your doctor if you think you or someone you know is underweight, particularly if the reason for being underweight does not seem obvious.
