Weight Gain

Description

The term underweight is applicable to those who are 15% to 20% or more below accepted weight standards. Because underweight is often a symptom of disease, it should be assessed medically. A nutritionally adequate diet and optimum exercise can help in building a good physique and maintain healthy body weight.

Contributing Factors

(1) Inadequate oral food and beverage intake, with insufficient quantities to match activity

(2) Excessive physical activity, as in the case of compulsive athletic training

(3) Inadequate capacity for absorption and metabolism of foods consumed

(4) A wasting disease that increases the metabolic rate and energy needs, as in cancer, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), or hyperthyroidism

(5) Excess energy expenditure during psychologic or emotional stress