Low Body Mass Index: Causes, Complications And Treatment 

Definition

Causes 

Being underweight can be a primary causative issue, but it may also be secondary to or as a symptom of an underlying disease.

Genetics may play a role in causing a person to be underweight, but there are other important causes which may include the following issues:

• Hyperthyroidism.
• Cancer.
• Tuberculosis.
• Drug use.
• Gastrointestinal or liver pathology.
• Eating disorders such as anorexia.

Complications

The following are issues which may be experienced by underweight individuals.

• Poor physical stamina.
• Weakened immune system resulting in persistent infections.
• Amenorrhoea (absence of mentruation).
• Infertility.
• Anaemia.
• Hair loss.
• Increased risk for osteoporosis and therefore pathological fractures.
• Deficiencies in essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
• Increased risk of mortality following cardiovascular events, as mentioned.

 Treatment

The following are suggestions regarding changes in dietary habits which can be incorporated. These may help in gaining weight in a healthy manner.

• Eat more frequently - underweight patients tend to get fuller quicker. Therefore, eating 5-6 smaller meals every day rather than 2-3 larger ones can increase one's caloric intake.
• Consume nutrient-rich foods -  pastas, whole-grain breads, cereals, nuts and seeds, dairy products, and lean protein products are excellent choices.
• Make a note at what times fluids are consumed - drinking fluids before eating meals tends to decrease one's appetite. Better choices would be to either consume small amounts of high calorie drinks before meals, or to drink fluids 30 minutes after eating a meal.

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• Drink shakes and/or smoothies - Healthy shakes and/or smoothies made from milk and fruits or fruit juices are better choices over drinks, such as coffee and diet beverages, which have low calories and are low in nutritional value.
• Snack in between meals - dried fruits, cheeses and nuts are excellent in-between snack choices. A bedtime snack such as an avocado, cheese and lean meat sandwich is high in calories and nutrients.
• Refined foods - high sugary content foods can still increase the risk of diabetes, even in underweight patients as the process occurs due to cells becoming resistant to the effects of insulin. An occasional treat is still adequate though.
• Adding extra calories to meals - the addition of cheese to mashed potatoes, broccoli bakes and scrambled eggs are a good way to increase calories in meals.
• Exercising - weight lifting exercises are a good way to increase muscle mass and bone density. Although there will be an initial decline in mass, the long-term result will be beneficial. Exercising can also help to stimulate the appetite.
• Appetite stimulants - Natural stimulants would include suggesting vitamin B complex supplements which help to improve one's appetite. Prescription drugs are usually reserved for patients who are cachexic due to chronic illnesses. These patients would discuss their available options with their doctor who would prescribe the appropriate medication to them.