Assessing whether you are underweight involves determining if your weight is below a healthy range for your height, age, and sex. Various methods exist to check if you are underweight, including calculating your body mass index (BMI), measuring your waist circumference, and assessing your body composition.
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for overall well-being. Being underweight can increase the risk of health problems such as malnutrition, anemia, and weakened immune function. It can also affect mood, energy levels, and cognitive function. Historically, underweight has been associated with poverty, food insecurity, and certain medical conditions.