What are some of the physiological consequences in a person who falls below a certain threshold for body fat?

What will be an ideal response?


An underweight person, especially an older adult, may be unable to preserve lean tissue during the fight against a wasting disease such as cancer or a digestive disorder, especially when the disease is accompanied by malnutrition. Without adequate nutrient and energy reserves, an underweight person will have a particularly tough battle against such medical stresses and face increased risks of mortality following surgeries. Underweight women develop menstrual irregularities and become infertile. Those who do conceive may give birth to unhealthy infants. An underweight woman can improve her chances of having a healthy infant by gaining weight prior to conception, during pregnancy, or both. Underweight and significant weight loss are also associated with osteoporosis and bone fractures. For all these reasons, underweight people may benefit from enough of a weight gain to provide an energy reserve and protective amounts of all the nutrients.

Nutritional Science

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All of the following are true regarding influences on height EXCEPT:

a. a healthy birthweight supports growth in height. b. adequate nutrition supports growth in height. c. there are supplements and special diets available that can increase height. d. children tend to achieve a height between the heights of their biological parents.

Nutritional Science

Once they are thawed, the texture of freezer-burned foods is spongy

Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Nutritional Science

The large majority of studies of antioxidant supplementation by endurance athletes have reported a performance benefit

Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Nutritional Science

Explain several elements associated with the Congregate Meals program

Nutritional Science