Vegetarian Diet Info
Underweight Health Risks for Vegetarians & Meat-Eaters
Information on Underweight Health Risks for Part-Vegetarians, Ovo-Lacto Vegetarians and Vegans

Vegetarian Diet
Weight Problems - More Information
Anorexia - Vegetarians - Cellulite Reduction - Weight Cycling - Weight Loss Plateau

Under Weight - Health Risks

Overweight and obesity is bad for health, but being under-weight can also pose significant health risks.

What is Under-weight

Most health care professionals use the Body Mass Index (BMI) to determine if someone is underweight, overweight or normal weight. A BMI of less than about 19 for women (20 for men) is considered underweight.

Health Risks of Being Underweight

If your BMI is 19 or lower, you are considered to have an unhealthily low weight, which means you have a higher risk of anemia, bone loss, nutrient deficiency, heart irregularities, amenorrhoea (loss of periods in women) and osteoporosis in later life. Health risks of being underweight may also include depression and other emotional distress. If you are underweight, you should take steps to gain weight and improve nutrition.

Being Too Thin for Good Health

Some weight experts believe that a body mass index of even 20-21 may not be best for optimum health. They consider a BMI of 22-23 to be a better weight-level to aim for. Osteoporosis is more common in 'thin' people later in life. Also, body fat helps maintain estrogen levels in women.

If You Think You Are Underweight

Check the Body Mass Index Weight Chart. If you are underweight, see your doctor for advice and check if your weight is a symptom of a medical condition, and ask for nutritional advice to help you gain weight.

Sources include: UK National Health Service. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Vegetarian Diet