There have been numerous studies and medical reports demonstrating how obesity can be life-threatening and affect your life insurance rates, but what about being underweight?
Being too thin can be caused by eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, and it can cause a number of health problems, particularly as you get older.
The ideal body mass index (BMI) according to the American Dietetic Association (ADA) is between 20 and 25. According to Today’s Dietitian, anyone with a BMI between 18.5 and 17.5 is considered underweight, and those with a BMI between 18.5 and 17.5 are considered extremely underweight.
According to Elena Blanco-Schumacher, RD, a clinical dietitian at the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center within the Christiana Care Health System, 8 to 9 percent of the population is underweight by these standards.
Anorexia, bulimia, and being underweight are all linked to the following conditions:
Hyperthyroidism
With hyperthyroidism, your thyroid goes into overdrive, causing your body’s metabolism to speed up, resulting in irregular heartbeat, excessive sweating, and weight loss.
Anemia and a weakened immune system
Individuals with an underweight BMI are more susceptible to catching a cold or getting the flu because they are vitamin deficient.
Anemia, which is typically caused by a lack of vitamin B-12, can also result from a lack of vitamins. Fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, and headaches are some of the symptoms.
Cancer
Certain types of cancer can have a significant impact on one’s sleep pattern, making them tired. Cancer patients may also experience rapid weight loss and an inability to gain weight. As a result, it is critical that you consult with your doctor to schedule a thorough exam.
Cardiovascular Disease
Because underweight people believe they are in good health, they avoid regular checkups designed to identify specific problems. These people are more likely to have high blood sugar levels and bad cholesterol.
Tuberculosis
(TB) is extremely prevalent in South Africa. This is a wasting disease characterized by rapid weight loss, coughing, night sweats, exhaustion, and malaise.
Once again, you must determine whether your weight loss is due to tuberculosis in order to receive the necessary treatment.
Osteoporosis
Low bone density is associated with low body weight; brittle bones can become unprotected in the absence of a certain amount of fat.
Depression, stress, medications, excessive exercise, and even enzyme deficiencies can all interfere with digestion and cause weight loss.
If your BMI is less than 18.5 and you have chronic diseases, your life insurance rate will be higher. It all depends on the cause of the weight loss or inability to gain weight.
Want to learn more about life insurance? Read our article The Most Frequently Asked Life Insurance Questions.