Define the Clinical Manifestations of Underweight?
Underweight may predispose to fatigue, lethargy and breathlessness. Iron-deficiency anaemia is usually seen because the diet is bound to be deficient in iron at a low intake of food. The accompanying protein deficiency, if severe, may manifest itself in the form of oedema. Underweight individuals are likely to suffer repeatedly from infection because of low immunity. Hip fracture is often preceded by weight loss. Metabolic aberrations occur during starvation and these may cause bradycardia (slow pulse), hypotension (low blood pressure), constipation, dry skin and hair, abnormalities of nervous system, depression and ultimately death.