Hate being lean and thin? I can understand how you would. Everyone thinks you’re unhealthy, it can really affect your self image. Not only that, there are various health problems as a result of being underweight.

Underweight is a fairly generic term, which can mean different things to different people, but there can be no denying the fact that being underweight is not a healthy weight range to be at, and something should be done about it.

There are two main categories of being underweight.

• These include those who due to malnutrition have always found it difficult to gain weight.
• The other underweight category includes people who lose a significant amount of body weight over a short time period. This type of weight loss is a lot more alarming and you should definitely go and see a doctor to identify what the source of the problem is.

Although cancer can cause a significant loss of weight, some people are underweight as a result of anorexia, bulimia, genetics, hormonal imbalances, or other diseases or disorders.

Even though you naturally find it difficult to put on weight, if you work at it you do have the control to have a healthier bodyweight and be a happier person as a result of it. You know your body better then anyone else and would know what your average bodyweight has always been.

If you suddenly drop 10 pounds or more over the span of a few weeks, definitely find out why this is the case. Certain diseases, medications, psychological and social factors can cause unintentional weight loss. Common diseases including cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease impair how the body absorbs food and uses calories. Medications including some antidepressants, blood pressure and osteoporosis drugs, can cause decreased appetite.

Although not talked about as much, depression and anxiety can also play a big role with significant weight loss. Having limited finances and other stressful issues could have an impact on how much you’re eating.

Are You Underweight?

You can measure your BMI to determine if your weight is within a healthy weight range. The calculation uses your height and weight (which you can enter in the sidebar to the right) in order to calculate your personal BMI. A score below 20 indicates lean body mass. In other words you have low body fat and you’re considered underweight.

Make sure you are aware what your ideal weight range is, be mindful of changes and don’t be afraid to get help if needed. If you’re considered to be underweight, reading this site is a good start, but you’ll want to take action!