alipaino

Alipaino is a Finnish term used to describe underweight, or having less body weight than is healthy. In adults it is typically defined by a body mass index (BMI) below 18.5 kg/m2. In children and adolescents, underweight is assessed with growth charts and can be indicated by weight-for-age, weight-for-height, or BMI-for-age measurements that fall below standard thresholds, such as the 2nd percentile or below a specified z-score.

Causes of alipaino are varied and can include insufficient caloric intake, chronic illness, infections, metabolic or gastrointestinal disorders, malabsorption, eating disorders, and socioeconomic factors. Age-related factors, medications, and psychological conditions can also contribute. In some contexts, chronic diseases or high energy expenditure without adequate intake may lead to persistent underweight.

Health risks associated with alipaino depend on age and the degree of weight loss. Potential consequences include weakened immune function, higher susceptibility to infections, delayed wound healing, anemia, fertility problems, osteoporosis, muscle wasting, and fatigue. In children, underweight can contribute to impaired growth and development. In pregnancy, low maternal weight is linked with risks such as preterm birth and low birth weight in the newborn.

Assessment and management require clinical evaluation. Health professionals review medical history, track weight trends, and use appropriate measures such as BMI in adults or growth charts in youths to determine severity. Investigations may identify underlying conditions. Management focuses on safe weight restoration through balanced, nutrient-dense diets, counseling, and treatment of any medical or psychological causes. Public health efforts emphasize early detection, nutrition education, and addressing food insecurity to reduce the prevalence of alipaino.