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U is for Underweight
Of course I can hear it now. ‘Underweight… that is a problem I have never had to deal with!’ a small number of people who are not anorexic or bulimic can be naturally thin. Whereas this is not often perceived to be a problem by the majority of the population, extreme thinness can damage the health and the esteem of the person who suffer from this problem. In fact, recent research shows that underweight individuals display health risks in terms of chronic diseases similar to extremely obese individuals.
Often the attempted solution is to forced consumption of high calories foods. This can create a larger problem, however, as these foods are often high in simple sugars and fats, which are energy sources that should normally make up only a small percentage of one’s overall intake.
As we age, we often find that our metabolic rate slows down and we burn less energy. This in turn affects our appetite and a circle of long-term weight loss occurs. Again, many people would not see a problem with this, but in extreme cases people can simply fade away as they age. It becomes very difficult for these individuals to keep useful weight – muscle – and risk becoming frail and more prone to falls and injury.
Being underweight is indeed a problem for some people. Efforts to gain weight must include a sensible diet, ensuring adequate consumption of calories from all the necessary food groups. In addition underweight individuals should include, not avoid, exercise in their routine. Although the calories-burning aspect of exercise may seem counter-intuitive, a special emphasis on moderate resistance training with the goal of increasing muscle mass can result in many beneficial effects.
Written by Professor Kerry Mummery
College of Health and Human Services
CQUniversity
24th October 2006
