Limitation of underweight

Normal and Therapeutic Nutrition 3(2+1)
Lesson 32:Underweight– causes, symptoms and dietary management

Limitation of underweight

  • Adults with BMI < 18.5 have reduced VO2 max, reduced capacity for sustained heavy work and a lower productivity.
  • Pregnant women show a proportional increase in the risk of an underweight baby born in relation to post-partum BMI and the BMI ranges from 25 to 16 or less.
  • Progressively greater proportions of time are spent off work or in bed ill when BMI levels are below 17 in men and women.
  • There is a progressive curvilinear increase in mortality in group of men with BMI ranging from 18.5 to below 16.0.
  • Immunological defects are seen particularly in men with low BMI concomitant micronutrient deficiencies are present.
  • Undernourished children have lower height and weight.
  • The age of menarche is delayed in undernourished girls by 1-2 years.
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Last modified: Tuesday, 25 October 2011, 6:58 AM