In today’s world, thinness is often praised. But being underweight — when your weight is below the normal range for your height — can be a sign of a serious health problem. Many different factors can cause women to be underweight, including eating habits, health problems and medication. Being underweight can cause other health problems and difficulties with pregnancy. That is why it is essential to identify the cause together with your doctor, so that you can reach a healthy weight.

Health risks of being underweight

When it comes to weight and the risk of health problems, we tend to focus on the problems associated with being overweight. But being underweight can be just as harmful to your health.

Vitamin deficiencies, osteoporosis, reduced immune function and infertility are some of the health risks you may face as an underweight person.

Most often, being underweight is linked to eating disorders. Eating disorders vary in nature. Treating eating disorders in the early stages is important for successfully overcoming the illness and avoiding irreversible physical and emotional consequences. Treatment in Switzerland uses psychotherapeutic methods to understand why the patient turns to disordered eating as a coping strategy.

What to do if you are underweight

If you are underweight and looking for a way to improve your weight, consult your doctor. They will be able to assess your weight accurately, explain how it may affect your health and give recommendations tailored to your individual needs.

Although nutrition influences weight, there are other factors that affect your body size, such as genetics, physical activity and medication. Ask a healthcare professional about these factors and how they may apply to you. You should also ask your doctor what you can do to gain weight and which exercise regime is right for your situation.

How does being underweight affect a woman’s health?

Being underweight increases the risk of serious health problems. Some women have a low but still healthy weight. But if you have experienced sudden weight loss or are not eating enough for your body to function, you may develop serious health problems, including:

  • Menstrual cycle problems. Regular periods are a sign of good health. Losing too much weight can cause periods to become less regular or stop altogether. This can happen if the amount of fat in your body falls so low that you stop ovulating, that is, releasing an egg from an ovary each month. This is especially true if you are losing weight because you are eating too little or exercising too much, which may be a sign of an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa.
  • Pregnancy problems. Menstrual cycle problems can make it harder to become pregnant, especially if your periods have stopped completely. If you have no periods, you are probably not ovulating, or releasing an egg from an ovary, each month.
  • Osteoporosis. Being underweight increases the risk of developing osteoporosis later in life. Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become weak and break easily.
  • Malnutrition. Malnutrition means that your body is not getting enough vitamins and minerals to do what it needs to do. This can cause serious health problems such as a weakened immune system and anaemia. Anaemia occurs when your blood cannot deliver enough oxygen to your body because of a lack of iron. If you have anaemia, you may feel dizzy, light-headed, weak or tired.
  • Depression. Research shows that depression is more common in underweight women than in women of a healthy weight.

Underweight women may also be more likely to die earlier than people of normal weight. Women who are underweight at a younger age may also reach the menopause earlier than women of normal weight.