Anorexia is an eating disorder that occurs when a person tries to lose weight by starving. The physician considers a person to have severe underweight when he or she has a bodyweight, much below what is healthy in regards to his or her height. By this is meant a BMI of under 16.
The anorexia condition is also called anorexia nervosa, which is an unhealthy loss of appetite. Those who are very underweight should seek medical help as soon as possible to determine the cause and begin treatment. There are severe and life-threatening medical conditions that can develop over time for a person who suffers from anorexia.
Anorexia health risks
Severe underweight can also be a symptom of an underlying disease. It may be due to genetics, fast metabolism, drug use, or an infection. Those who suffer from hyperthyroidism, tuberculosis, certain cancers, as well as gastrointestinal conditions, can also develop severe underweight. Low weight problems can also be a result of a psychological eating disorder.
The immune system, low immunity
Having serious underweight can in itself cause additional health problems regardless of the occurrence of initial illness. When a low intake of food causes underweight, many individuals can develop a weak immune system. It is likely due to the lack of essential nutrients.
The starvation can lead to a variety of infections and, at worst, deaths. It can also mean that a recovery period after illness or injury will increase significantly. Another danger with severe underweight is the risk of osteoporosis. This can occur even in younger individuals and could be the result of hormonal changes due to malnutrition.
One of the most significant risks that underweight can cause is the weakening of your immune system. When you do not get the nutrients and minerals your body needs, you probably will not get enough vitamin A and vitamin C. These conditions together cause your immune system to weaken. With a reduced disease defense, the risk of other health issues increases. That risk range from a common cold to cancer.
Hair loss as a result of anorexia
Anemia and hair loss are other health risks for someone who is severely underweight. If anemia develops, it can cause severe fatigue. Those who have this type of underweight can also develop irregular heart rhythms and have an increased risk of suffering a heart attack.
Fertile age
Women of childbearing potential may experience other risks associated with having severe underweight. This may include the absence of menstruation, which may lead to infertility. Pregnant women with too low body weight may experience various problems and complications during pregnancy. Fertility problems can occur when a skinny body cannot release energy for ovulation. This condition reduces fertility levels. Although pregnancy may be possible, it may not be viable, as the body does not have enough energy resources to help the fetus to grow.
Fatigue and anorexia
It is no advantage to have severe underweight. It only increases the risk of further health problems and fatigue. It has also been found that life expectancy decreases, in the same way as someone who is considered to be suffering from obesity. It is essential to seek medical advice to determine the root cause of low body weight. Asking for help in treating the underlying condition or treating the low body weight itself can be crucial to your lifespan.
Bone structure
Also, a body with underweight does not get enough nourishment, which it needs to function correctly. Malnutrition also means that a lack of calcium weakens the bone structure. Underweight makes the bone structure more vulnerable and can lead to fractures. Potassium imbalance can also occur, which can cause cramps with hazardous consequences.
Lack of electrolyte balance is probably the most dangerous condition anyone with nutritional deficiencies can experience. Underweight individuals often suffer from hormonal imbalance, lung dysfunction, and perhaps even mental health problems, which in turn can lead to anorexia.
It is easy to understand that underweight is not healthy for the body. It adds a lot of stress to the heart and all other vital organs and can cause a lot of damage and increased risk of illness. Being too skinny is not something to ignore.
On the classification underweight, you can read more about being underweight.