It is a known fact that obesity and other related conditions are readily on the rise. However, people tend to get caught up in the consequences of overeating, often forgetting that undereating is also an issue.
Not eating enough can have a number of adverse effects on the well-being and health of an individual. Thus, it is crucial for you to know whether you are getting the right amount of nutrients or not.
Let’s take a look at some of the signs and symptoms of undereating.
1. Fatigue
One of the most widespread and obvious symptoms of undereating is the feeling of constantly being tired. After all, a body derives significant energy from the calories present in the drinks and food you consume.
Consequently, your body requires a certain number of calories to be able to function properly, which includes automatic and basic bodily processes. From breathing to actively thinking, your body needs energy to be able to power through.
Where the number of calories to consume in a day is concerned, they can vary depending on several factors. These could be your metabolism, physical activity levels, and body size. But if you undereat, you consume fewer calories than needed by your body to function properly.
As a result of low energy levels, you will also experience weaker stamina and a negative impact on fitness, performance, and other physical activity.
2. Weaker Immunity
Since undereating leads to an imbalanced diet, your body is deprived of several crucial nutrients needed to maintain a healthy immune system. As a result, you are weaker and unable to fight off illnesses. This leads to even the most common diseases lasting longer than they should.
Thus, maintaining a healthy and nutritional intake is especially important for people who have weak immune systems.
3. Hair Loss
If your nutritional intake is not sufficient, your hair could also suffer. Experts believe that deficiencies in minerals, vitamins, important fatty acids, and proteins can cause hair loss. It is also believed that undereating can lead to other abnormalities, like changes in hair texture or color.
4. Feeling Cold
In order to maintain a healthy body temperature, you need to consume a sufficient level of calories. However, a lack of calories in your body can cause a decline in the core body temperature, thereby creating the constant feeling of being cold.
Researchers have found that people who consume a lesser number of calories have a substantially lower core body temperature as compared to those who eat just right.
5. Constipation
Consuming fewer calories than the requirements of your body can cause constipation. As a result, you will not have consistent bowel movements or have difficulty expelling stool. This is because when you undereat, your body does not have enough nutrients to convert into waste.
Along with the signs mentioned above, you can keep an eye out for other symptoms of undereating, such as depression, reproductive difficulties, and impaired growth. If you are experiencing any of these, it might be the right time to balance your consumption of essential nutrients.
