alakaalustatud

Alakaalustatud is an Estonian adjective meaning underweight or undernourished. It is used to describe a person whose body weight is lower than what is healthy for their height. The form can serve as a predicate (Ta on alakaalustatud) or as part of a noun phrase (alakaalustatud inimene).

Origin and morphology: The word is built from alakaal (underweight) plus the suffix -ustatud, a past passive participle formation. This yields an adjective describing a state or condition resulting in low body weight.

Usage and definition: In everyday language, alakaalustatud refers to someone whose body weight is below the normal range. In medical contexts, professionals use BMI or other growth/weight-for-age measures to define underweight; in adults, a body mass index below 18.5 kg/m² is commonly cited. For children, age- and sex-specific percentiles are used.

Health implications and causes: Underweight can result from insufficient caloric intake, eating disorders, chronic diseases, malabsorption, or hypermetabolic states. It may be associated with fatigue, weakness, reduced immunity, anemia, and reduced bone density, and can affect reproductive health. Management includes addressing underlying causes and nutritional rehabilitation, often under medical supervision.

See also: alakaal, normkaal, ülekaal, rasvumine, alatoitumus.