Underweight problems - Osteoporisis, regulating body temperature, infections and decreased muscle strength

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 08 May 2005 - 0:00 PDT

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Health problems associated with being underweight can include fighting off infection, osteoporosis, decreased muscle strength, trouble regulating body temperature and even increased risk of death.

If you're thin and your weight has fallen below your usual adult weight, it could indicate a problem. Unintentional weight loss could be caused by:

Diseases: Many health problems impair how your body absorbs food and uses calories. Among the most common are cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease.

Medications: Drugs, including some antidepressants, blood pressure and osteoporosis medications, can cause decreased appetite. Aspirin and other nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause gastrointestinal side effects.

Psychological and social factors: Depression and anxiety can cause weight loss. Lack of transportation, limited finances or physical impairments can make it difficult to buy food and prepare it.

Be aware of what weight is healthy for you, be alert to changes and ask for help when needed. If you've noticed a change in your appetite, have pain with eating or are unintentionally shedding pounds, see your doctor.

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