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Being Underweight Might Kill You, Too

Last updated on Wednesday, April 2, 2014

(INDIANAPOLIS) - Being underweight might be just as bad, if not worse, for you as being overweight according to new research.

Researchers in Canada reviewed data from several studies and concluded that people who were underweight, independent of factors such as drugs, alcohol and diseases like cancer, were at a higher risk of premature death than those who were considered obese.

"They're are using the BMI (Body Mass Index) criteria of 18.5, so anything under 18.5 is considered underweight," said Dr. Lori Hurst with St. Vincent Bariatric Center of Excellence in Carmel.

The BMI is ratio of height to weight, and Hurst says to be sure, "it is not a perfect measure or reflection of what's going on in someone's body, because it does not reflect muscle mass."

But Hurst also says many people with a BMI that is too low have some of the same habits and those with a high BMI - poor eating, lack of exercise, and poor health habits.

"One of the biggest problems (with those who are underweight) is malnutrition, which is lack of access to adequate nutrition, heavy use of drugs or alcohol - just addiction in general," said Hurst.

As a result, Hurst says the study surprises her, and she also says no one should be surprised if they hear someone who is obese also described as malnourished.

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