Although obesity is a very common problem all over the world, its counterpart, being underweight is a much underestimated condition and just as problematic. Just as with being overweight, there are a number of difference factors that play a role in the development of the condition ranging from social to economic problems to simple genetic conditions or the mental approach of an individual to the amount of food she or he consumes. Before getting into the details of the various causes and complications that arise out of being underweight, it is important to be able to first identify and properly categorize an individual as being underweight. The classification works in tandem with the body mass index, so it is important to be able to understand how the BMI table works. Also known as the Quetelet sheet, the BMI is primarily a measure of the ideal body weight in relation to the individual’s height. Simply put, the BMI lets you know what the ideal weight would be for a certain height. The calculation results in a figure of which anything below 18.5 is considered to be underweight for the tested individual’s height.
One of the most common causes of being underweight is malnutrition as a result of poverty. This is the primary reason that malnutrition is most prominent in underdeveloped countries all over the world, mainly afflicting those that live below the poverty line. Moreover, studies have shown that the effects of malnutrition are usually amplified by a number of other normally easily treatable diseases that could possibly lead to death when ignored. Being underweight could also easily be the result of simple genetics where the individual is another in a long line of a bloodline where most members retain a rather slim figure no matter what they eat. The individuals mental approach towards food consumption could also play a vital role in malnutrition as psychological conditions such as bulimia and anorexia are self imposed restrictions of food intake that deprive the body of the required nutrients, vitamins and minerals that it requires to perform optimally. Some athletes are known to over train to an excessive degree – this causes the body to burn large amounts of fat in order to create energy – leading to very low body weight.
Because of the fact that the condition is relatively common, there are a number of weight gain tips that can help you achieve a healthier body mass index. For instance, counting your calories will help significantly and while it is important to avoid fast and junk foods, increasing your intake of normal everyday home cooked meals and start weighing yourself on a regular basis. Eating properly is the first step of proper and healthy weight gain – the main course of action will focus on consuming more calories than you burn. Another one of the most important weight gain tips is to make sure that you start weight training so as to ensure that any additional weight put on is muscle. This adds a significant amount of definition to your body otherwise all the extra food you eat will only convert itself into fat within your body and not muscle. It is also very important to increase your intake of good fats – meaning that when following weight gain tips, it is important to avoid eating foods that do not help in any way such as cakes, candy and chips. High protein and low fat dishes such as tuna fish, chicken breast, lean meats and other fruits and vegetables are highly recommended. One of the most important aspects of weight gain diets as well as weight gain tips for women and generic healthy weight gain tips is to make sure that you get your fair share of rest in order to allow your body to function properly.
