Weight loss is a serious issue in the United States. Consumers constantly see advertisements and news reports on trendy diets, flashy products, and magic pills promising to help them lose weight.
Given that the ongoing “battle of the bulge” is front and center for so many people, being too thin may seem like a good problem to have. But the reality is that being underweight can cause health problems.
Path to improved wellness
Fat has a bad reputation for causing people to be overweight and obese. However, not all fat is bad. In fact, breaking down and storing energy (calories) as fat is good. It’s just one of the many ways the body uses food to function, heal, and grow.
Stored energy from fat helps you get through a strenuous job or workout. It plays a key role in brain development, and in preventing inflammation (swelling) and blood clots. Fat contributes to healthy hair and skin as well.
You can determine whether you are underweight by using a Body Mass Index (BMI) calculator. This online tool considers your weight, height, age, and gender to calculate a score. If your BMI is less than 18.5, you are underweight. Your doctor also can help determine if you’re underweight based on your height, weight, what you eat, and your activity level.
Your doctor may put you on a weight gain program if you are underweight. However, this is not permission to go crazy with junk food. Healthy weight gain requires a balanced approach, just like a weight loss program.
Eating junk food may result in weight gain. However, it will not satisfy the nutrition your body needs. Even if the fat, sugar, and salt in junk food doesn’t result as extra weight, it can still harm your body. For a healthy weight gain, the following tips can help:
