Underweight: meaning, definitions and examples
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underweight
[ ˌʌndərˈweɪt ]
health status
Underweight refers to a condition in which a person's body weight is considered lower than what is deemed healthy for their height. This is often measured using the Body Mass Index (BMI), where a BMI under 18.5 is categorized as underweight. Individuals who are underweight may face various health challenges, including weakened immune function, nutritional deficiencies, and complications during surgeries. It can be a result of numerous factors, including a high metabolism, lack of food intake, or underlying health conditions. Addressing underweight issues often involves dietary changes and consultations with healthcare professionals.
Synonyms
emaciated, lean, skinny, slender, thin
Examples of usage
- She was classified as underweight according to her BMI.
- The doctor advised him to gain weight because he was underweight.
- Being underweight can lead to serious health concerns.
- He has always been underweight despite his healthy eating habits.
Translations
Translations of the word "underweight" in other languages:
🇵🇹 abaixo do peso
🇮🇳 कम वजन
🇩🇪 untergewichtig
🇮🇩 berat badan kurang
🇺🇦 недостатня вага
🇵🇱 niedowaga
🇯🇵 低体重
🇫🇷 sous-poids
🇪🇸 bajo peso
🇹🇷 kilolu
🇰🇷 저체중
🇸🇦 نقص الوزن
🇨🇿 podváha
🇸🇰 podváha
🇨🇳 体重不足
🇸🇮 podhranjenost
🇮🇸 ofþyngd
🇰🇿 азық-түлік жетіспеушілігі
🇬🇪 არასაკმარისი წონა
🇦🇿 aşağı çəkili
🇲🇽 bajo peso
Word origin
The term 'underweight' is derived from the prefix 'under-' meaning below or less than, and 'weight,' which comes from the Old English 'wēght,' meaning mass or heaviness. The usage of 'underweight' in medical contexts began to gain traction in the mid-20th century as more attention was placed on health metrics and body composition. It became especially relevant with the rise of body mass index (BMI) as a standard measure for determining healthy weight ranges. As society began to understand the importance of both underweight and overweight conditions in relation to health outcomes, the term entered common parlance in nutrition and health discussions, signifying its role in assessing overall well-being.