OVEREATING BUT UNDERWEIGHT A WAKE-UP CALL FOR YOUR HEALTH

🍔 Many young people, especially women, aspire to have a slender physique, believing it to be the ideal standard of beauty. Therefore, being able to eat freely while maintaining a slim figure is considered a dream for many. However, the reality is that “eating a lot but still slim” could be a sign of underlying health risks you may not have considered. 

 👉 Let’s explore this topic with MSc. Dr. Nguyen Phuong Anh - Nutrition Specialist at CarePlus International Clinics in the following article! 

 1/ Why do some people eat a lot but stay slim? 

If you consume large amounts of food but do not gain weight, several factors may be at play: 

🔶 High Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) 

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the minimum amount of energy your body requires to maintain vital functions, such as breathing, blood circulation, and temperature regulation, even while at rest. Typically, BMR accounts for around 70% of a person’s total energy expenditure. 

Individuals with a high BMR burn more energy, making it difficult for them to gain weight even when consuming large amounts of food. Several factors contribute to a high BMR: 

🔸 High muscle mass: Muscle tissue burns more energy than fat, so individuals with greater muscle mass have a higher BMR. 

🔸 Lifestyle and physical activity: People who are physically active tend to have a higher BMR, as their bodies adapt to burning more energy. 

🔸 Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid produces excessive thyroxine, accelerating metabolism and causing the body to burn calories rapidly, leading to weight loss despite high food intake. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include rapid heartbeat, hand tremors, excessive sweating, and persistent feelings of warmth. 

Given these factors, individuals with a high metabolism should undergo thyroid function screening before concluding that their high BMR is solely due to muscle mass or an active lifestyle. 

🔶 Poor Nutrient Absorption 

Even if you eat a lot, your body may still lack essential energy and nutrients if your digestive system is not absorbing them effectively. Common causes include: 

🔸 Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Celiac Disease, and chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, which impair the absorption of proteins, fats, and vitamins. 

🔸 Gut microbiome imbalances, where a lack of beneficial bacteria negatively impacts digestion. 

🔸 Digestive enzyme deficiencies, particularly in pancreatic disorders, leading to inefficient food breakdown and absorption. 

🔶 Chronic Conditions Affecting Weight 

Certain medical conditions can increase energy expenditure or reduce nutrient absorption, leading to weight loss despite high food intake. These include diabetes, chronic infections, and cancer. 

2/ What should you do if you eat a lot but stay slim? 

If you find yourself eating large amounts but not gaining weight, do not be overly pleased or dismissive. Instead, take the following steps: 

✅ Get a health check-up: This helps detect and diagnose underlying conditions that may be affecting your weight. 

✅ Follow a balanced diet: While being thin may align with beauty standards, maintaining an appropriate weight for your height is crucial for overall health. If you have a low body weight, consider seeking nutritional guidance. 

✅ Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Ensure adequate sleep, manage stress, and engage in regular exercise to build muscle and enhance overall well-being. 

👉 A slim figure does not always equate to good health! Pay attention to your internal well-being rather than just focusing on your weight. 

🌟 If you are concerned about your weight and health, consider the Nutrition Screening Package at CarePlus, which includes comprehensive assessments to evaluate your body’s condition accurately: 

 📌 Anthropometric assessment 

📌 24-hour dietary intake evaluation 

📌 Clinical examination 

📌 Essential laboratory tests and imaging diagnostics 

📌 Personalized nutrition counseling 

👉 For appointment bookings, please call our free hotline at 1800 6116 today!   

CAREPLUS INTERNATIONAL CLINICS  

Associate of Singapore Medical Group