In today’s world, appearance and body weight have become major sources of anxiety, particularly among women. The pursuit of extreme thinness is rising, but family physician Dr. Deng Wenxin warns that being underweight can carry serious health risks. Over time, excessive dieting can trigger a cascade of warning signs from the body, affecting everything from hair to bones.
Hair Loss and Dry Skin
When body fat and protein intake are too low, hair becomes fragile and starts falling out, while skin loses its moisture and natural glow. “These are signals from your body that nutrition is insufficient and adjustments are needed,” says Dr. Deng. She advises women to avoid dropping below a minimum healthy weight, stressing that individual circumstances should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Poor Sleep, Fatigue, and Mood Swings
Being underweight disrupts three major hormones: leptin, thyroid hormones, and stress hormones. This imbalance can lead to fatigue, anxiety, mood swings, and cravings for sweet or salty foods, even without changes in daily activity.
Irregular Periods and Bone Health Risks
Low body fat reduces estrogen production, causing irregular periods or intensified menstrual pain. Over time, this may even accelerate the onset of menopause. Bone density can also decline, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures—hidden consequences of extreme thinness that are often overlooked.
Slowed Metabolism and Muscle Loss
Protein deficiency can reduce muscle mass, slowing metabolism, lowering energy levels, and weakening the immune system. Dr. Deng recommends consuming at least 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily. For a 50-kg woman, that’s at least 40 grams of protein—equivalent to three 400ml bottles of soy milk or one and a half portions of chicken breast.
Healthy Weight is True Beauty
Dr. Deng emphasizes that women should prioritise maintaining a healthy weight over extreme thinness. Adequate protein intake and preserved muscle mass support hormonal balance, metabolism, and bone health. “A healthy body weight is true beauty—don’t sacrifice your health for the sake of being thin,” she advises.
