Being too thin may involve health risks.
Images of thin perfection are expertly thrust upon us at the earliest ages through all forms of media. Given the mainstream demand for thin bodies, people have resorted to drastic measures to lose weight and keep it off. The results are often pleasing, however there are costs associated with extreme weight loss which may wreak havoc on your thin body.
Excess Skin
It's common for people who lose large amounts of weight in a short timeframe to have excess skin because the skin may have lost some of its elasticity. For some obese people who have bariatric surgery, follow up surgeries are necessary to remove the excess skin. These surgeries are sometimes called body lifts and include removal of excess abdominal, thigh and buttock skin. While these surgeries have favorable outcomes, a study published in "Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery" reviewed 200 patients receiving body lifts and found the complication rate to be at 50 percent. Common complications were incisions coming open and benign cysts at the surgical sites.
Hair Loss
Your hair may also be affected by extreme weight loss. Following bariatric surgery, brittle hair that becomes easily broken or falls out is a temporary side effect you could experience for three to five months after surgery. If your weight loss is due to an eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa, you may also experience hair loss due to malnutrition. If you are suffering from an eating disorder or, it is imperative that you seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Bone Density
The University of Missouri stated in a 2008 news release that bone density decreased at a surprising rate during weight loss, and the decrease didn't readily reverse once weight maintenance had begun. The weight loss involved dramatic calorie restriction over a 3-month period. During this time, bone remodeling -- when old bone is broken down and replaced -- increased, but the formation of new bone did not keep up with the breakdown. In the 9-month maintenance period following weight loss, bone remodeling remained high but without an actual increase in bone density. This results in frail bone structure, leading to osteoporosis. Loss of bone density is also common in anorexia.
Fatigue
In cases of anorexia, you may experience weakness or fatigue, which can escalate into debilitating chronic fatigue syndrome and is related to a weakened immune system. If you are malnourished due to calorie restriction, fatigue and dizziness are common symptoms, and you should consult your doctor if fainting occurs.
Considerations
Keep in mind that hair loss, bone density changes and fatigue are symptoms that should be taken seriously. These are warning signs from your body that you may not be healthy and you should seek medical attention. In the case of malnutrition and anorexia, if symptoms are left untreated there could be permanent damage or, possibly, death.
