Definition
Extremes in underweigth, just as in overweigth, bring or accompany serious health problems. It is estimated that somewhat less than 10% of persons have trouble graining and maintaining weight. Some seem to lack control over how much they eat at a meal and reach a full feeling with less food than do persons of normal weight. Underweight may be assosiated with poverty, poor living, conditions, or long-term disease. Elderly persons experiencing changes in appetite are at risk of underweight.
A normal, healthy Body Mass Index ranges from 18.5 to 22.9. Anything lower than 18.5 is underweight.
Causes
In general, underweight is assosiated with conditions that cause basic malnutrition, such as:
* wasting disease
* poor food intake
* malabsorption
* hormonal imbalance
* energy imbalance
* poor living situation
Nutritional Care
the dietary goal, according to each person's tolerance, is to increase energy and nutrient intake in a diet that is :
* high in kcalories, at least 50% above standard needs
* high in protein, to rebuild tissue
* high in carbohidrate, to provide a primary energy source in easily digested form
* moderate in fat, to add kcalories but not exceed toleration limits
* optimum in vitamins and minerals
Good food of wide variety, well prepared and seasoned, and attractively presented helps revive lagging appetites and increases the desire to eat. Frequent, small nourishing meals and snacks spread through the day, including favorite foods, stimulate interest in eating and increase the optimal use of foods and their nutrients. To achieve the desired increase in kcalories, use food seasoning (such as margarine or butter, sauces, and dressings) and liquid nutritional supplements to add kcalories and key nutrients. In some extreme cases, tube feeding or total parenteral nutrition (TPN) may be necessary.
