In most societies, large body mass is stereotyped as unhealthy, while light body weighted people are considered the healthiest. This stereotype has existed for so long that it is almost impossible to think of a “big” person as healthy. But in the real sense of it, is being skinny healthy?
Being skinny doesn’t mean being healthy as you might think; health is a multifaceted concept encompassing various factors beyond body size. Therefore, it is essential to understand that body weight alone does not determine a person’s overall health status.
In this blog post, I will discuss the health risks associated with being skinny, and what body size is considered as healthy.
11 Health Risks of Being Underweight
Less weight doesn’t mean healthy contrary to general believe. Below are some health risks associated with being underweight;
1. Nutritional deficiencies
Being skinny doesn’t necessarily indicate good nutrition. Some individuals may have inadequate diets lacking essential nutrients despite their low body weight, leading to malnutrition and associated health issues.
2. Lack of muscle mass
Skinny individuals may lack sufficient muscle mass, which is crucial for overall strength and mobility. Low muscle mass can result from a sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise, or poor dietary habits.
3. Underlying health conditions
Some people may be naturally skinny, while others may have medical conditions that contribute to their low body weight. Chronic illnesses, thyroid disorders, and gastrointestinal problems can lead to unintentional weight loss and compromised health.
4. Eating disorder
The desire to be skinny can drive individuals to engage in unhealthy behaviors, such as restrictive eating or excessive exercise. Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa can severely impact physical and mental health.
5. Weak immune system
Inadequate nutrition and low body weight can weaken the immune system, making skinny individuals more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
6. Unhealthy bone
Insufficient body weight can affect bone density and increase the risk of osteoporosis or fractures. Ironically, unhealthy bone health do not manifest in the early stages, and could have worsened before it is detected.
7. Hormonal imbalance
Being underweight may disrupt hormonal balance, leading to irregular menstrual cycles in females and potential fertility issues.
8. Disproportionate fat distribution
Some skinny individuals may have a disproportionate distribution of fat, with excess visceral fat around organs, which is linked to health problems like metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular issues.
9. Lack of energy and fatigue
Insufficient calorie intake can lead to constant fatigue and reduced energy levels, impacting daily activities and overall well-being.
10. Psychological impact
Constant societal pressure to be skinny and the perception of an ideal body image can lead to stress, anxiety, and negative body image, affecting mental health.
11. Reduced physical performance
Being underweight can result in reduced stamina, endurance, and physical performance, hindering participation in sports or physical activities.
What Body Size Is Healthy?
Determining a specific “healthy” body size can be challenging because health is not a one-way concept; it goes beyond just body size or weight. Healthy body size varies among individuals based on factors such as genetics, age, gender, muscle mass, and overall lifestyle choices.
The bottom line, focuses on overall health and well-being rather than a particular body size.
However, several indicators can help assess whether an individual’s body size is generally considered healthy:
1. Body mass index (BMI)
BMI is a commonly used tool to assess body weight relative to height. While it has limitations and does not account for muscle mass or body composition, a BMI within the normal range (18.5 to 24.9) is generally associated with lower health risks.
2. Waist-to-hip ratio
This measurement compares the circumference of the waist to that of the hips. A lower waist-to-hip ratio is often associated with a lower risk of certain health conditions.
3. Waist circumference
Measuring waist circumference can help assess abdominal fat linked to increased health risks. For men, a waist circumference below 40 inches (102 cm) is considered healthier, while for women, it’s below 35 inches (88 cm).
4. Body composition
Body fat percentage and muscle mass are essential factors in overall health. Having a balanced body composition with a healthy percentage of body fat and muscle is crucial for overall well-being.
5. Blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels
Regular health checkups that include monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels provide valuable insights into overall health.
6. Cardiovascular fitness
Assessing cardiovascular fitness through activities like brisk walking, running, or cycling can give an indication of cardiovascular health.
7. Mental and emotional well-being
Mental health is a vital aspect of overall well-being. Feeling positive, emotionally stable, and having a healthy body image are important factors.
Final Thought
The belief that being skinny automatically equates to good health is a misconception. Health is a multifaceted concept that extends far beyond body size or weight. The skinny paradox highlights the potential health risks associated with being underweight.
Understanding that health is a complex interplay of nutrition, physical activity, mental well-being, and individual factors is crucial.
Instead of focusing on achieving a specific body size, the emphasis should be on adopting healthy lifestyle choices and promoting overall well-being.
