When you think about heatwave health risks, obesity and poor fitness are often blamed first. However, doctors warn that extremely slim or underweight individuals may also face serious dangers during high temperatures.
As it continues to be a super hit with temperatures across the country touching 48 degrees Celsius in some places, health experts say low body fat, poor nutrition, dehydration, and reduced muscle mass can make some thin individuals surprisingly vulnerable to heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Also read:Heatstroke Doesn’t Always Feel Hot: Strange Symptoms Most People Miss
Body fat is not always harmful. In fact, experts say a healthy amount of fat helps the body regulate temperature, store energy, and maintain hydration balance during stressful conditions. Very slim men, women, and children often have:
Most thin people have reduced electrolyte storage in their bodies
Muscles play an important role in maintaining circulation, metabolism, and overall physical stability. Those who have low muscle mass - including some underweight individuals, crash dieters, elderly adults, or those with eating disorders- may struggle more during prolonged heat exposure. Experts warn that heatwaves can increase weakness, dizziness, low blood pressure, fatigue, and fainting episodes.
In severe cases, this may progress to heatstroke, a potentially life-threatening condition where body temperature rises dangerously high.
Doctors say slim individuals sometimes underestimate how quickly dehydration affects them. Because smaller bodies often hold lower fluid reserves, excessive sweating during hot weather can rapidly disturb electrolyte balance, especially sodium and potassium levels. Symptoms of dehydration may include:
Health experts also warn that restrictive dieting, poor eating habits, or inadequate protein intake can worsen heat intolerance. Many people trying to lose weight during summer may unintentionally reduce salt intake, water intake, essential minerals and calorie intake. This can impair the body’s ability to recover from heat stress. Doctors say undernourished individuals may feel:
Older adults who are naturally thin or frail are especially vulnerable because aging already reduces the body’s ability to regulate temperature efficiently. Many elderly individuals also experience reduced thirst sensation, chronic illnesses, lower muscle mass, and medication-related dehydration.
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
