Pronunciation: [ˌʌndə wˈe͡ɪt] (IPA) 
The correct spelling for the opposite of overweight is underweight. The IPA transcription for underweight is /ˈʌndər.weɪt/. The word starts with the short /ʌ/ sound followed by the /n/ sound. This is then followed by the /d/ sound and ending with the long vowel sound /eɪ/ and the /t/ sound. The correct spelling of this word is important in order to communicate effectively, especially in discussions about health and body weight.
Underweight is a term used to describe a condition in which a person has a body weight that is below the normal or healthy range for their height, age, and gender. It is typically assessed using body mass index (BMI), a numerical value calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters. A BMI below 18.5 is generally considered to indicate underweight.
Being underweight can have various causes, including genetic factors, inadequate nutrition, illness, metabolic disorders, certain medications, or psychological factors. Individuals who are underweight may display visible signs, such as a protruding ribcage or skeletal appearance, and they may have deficiencies in important nutrients, leading to reduced muscle mass, weakened immune system, and impaired physical and mental development.
Underweight individuals are at a higher risk of developing health complications, such as weakened bones, increased susceptibility to infections, hormonal imbalances, reproductive issues, and impaired cognitive function. Therefore, it is essential to address and treat the underlying causes of underweight and work towards achieving a healthy weight through appropriate nutrition and lifestyle changes. This may involve consuming a balanced and varied diet that provides sufficient calories, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals to support healthy weight gain. In some cases, medical intervention and professional guidance from healthcare providers may be necessary to rectify the condition and promote overall well-being.
The word "underweight" is a combination of the prefix "under-" and the word "weight".
The prefix "under-" is derived from the Old English word "under" meaning "beneath" or "below". It is commonly used to indicate a negative, insufficient, or lesser degree of something.
The word "weight" comes from the Old English word "wiht", which referred to a body's heaviness or mass. It ultimately traces back to the Proto-Germanic word "*wihti-", meaning "thing" or "creature".
When the prefix "under-" is attached to "weight", it forms the term "underweight", which refers to a condition in which a person is below the desirable weight range for their age, height, and gender.
