Being underweight linked to early death

Nov 11, 2016

Being underweight can be just as unhealthy as being obese, if not more. People who are underweight are at risk of osteoporosis, infections, fertility problems and early death.

 

Obesity is currently one of the world's biggest health problems.

However, being underweight may be just as bad for your health as being obese.

According to one study, being underweight was associated with a 140% greater risk of early death in men, and 100% in women.

In this study, obesity was "only" associated with a 50% greater risk of early death, indicating that being underweight may be even worse for your health.

Another study found increased risk of early death in underweight men, but not women. This indicates that being underweight may be worse for men.

Being underweight can also impair immune function, raise your risk of infections, lead to osteoporosis and fractures, and cause fertility problems.

People who are underweight are also much more likely to get sarcopenia (age-related muscle wasting), and may be at greater risk of dementia.

 

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