UNDERWEIGHT Meaning and
Definition
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Underweight refers to a condition where an individual weighs less than what is considered healthy or appropriate for their age, height, and body type. It is often determined by calculating the body mass index (BMI), which takes into account the individual's weight and height. An underweight person typically has a BMI below the recommended range.
Being underweight can be the result of various factors, such as inadequate nutrition, illness, hormonal imbalances, genetic predisposition, psychological disorders, or excessive physical activity. It may also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition or a side effect of certain medications. In some cases, being underweight can be intentional, such as in those with eating disorders like anorexia nervosa.
The consequences of being underweight can be detrimental to overall health. It may weaken the immune system, making an individual more susceptible to infections and diseases. Underweight individuals may also experience fatigue, poor muscle strength and endurance, hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, and impaired growth and development, particularly in children and adolescents.
To address underweight status, individuals may need to adopt a balanced and nutritious diet that includes an appropriate calorie intake to support healthy weight gain. In some cases, medical intervention may be required to identify and treat any underlying conditions contributing to being underweight. Regular monitoring by healthcare professionals, including dieticians or nutritionists, can be beneficial to ensure healthy weight management and overall well-being.
Common Misspellings for UNDERWEIGHT
Etymology of UNDERWEIGHT
The word "underweight" is formed by combining the prefix "under-" with the noun "weight".
The prefix "under-" is derived from the Old English word "under", which means "beneath, below, or lower in rank or position". It is commonly used to indicate insufficient or less than an expected amount.
The noun "weight" originates from the Old English word "wiht", which referred to a body or thing possessing a certain heaviness. Over time, it evolved to specifically represent the force exerted on an object due to gravity.
Therefore, the word "underweight" was formed to describe a person or thing that weighs less than what is considered normal, healthy, or expected.
Similar spelling words for UNDERWEIGHT
- underived,
- under it,
- underpart,
- underbred,
- undershirt,
- underside,
- unadorned,
- underdone,
- undergarment,
- undertake,
- undersoil,
- underdog,
- underwear,
- underlie,
- underrate,
- undermine,
- underage,
- underbid,
- undergrow,
- underwater,
- undersign,
- undercurrent,
- underfur,
- underhung,
- undersize,
- undertone,
- underline,
- underivative,
- underhill,
- underwrite,
- undertide,
- underlying,
- undersurface,
- underling,
- underpin,
- underwood,
- underspent,
- underway,
- underskirt,
- undergird,
- undertow,
- underdrawers,
- underwing,
- underwriter,
- underdown.
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