Underweight or Malnourishment
Being underweight or malnourished is defined as having a BMI of less than 18.5. You may be underweight for a variety of reasons:
Stressful life event
Recovering or battling an illness
Underlying disease
Lack of interest in food
If you are losing weight without any obvious reason, it is a good idea to check in with a GP to have your bloods taken and ensure that there is no underlying disease. The main symptoms of being underweight or malnourished are:
Lack of energy
Fatigue
Poor appetite
Reduced immunity
Slow healing cuts and bruises
However, not everyone has the same symptoms and some people may not have any symptoms. If you are underweight, it is advisable to see a Dietitian as long-term consequences include:
Nutritional deficiency - lacking essential nutrients
Reduced immunity - causing susceptibility to illness
May affect mental health - the individual may be more likely to experience low moods
Disease - e.g. osteoporosis in the long-term