TOKYO - The Japan Society for the Study of Obesity has issued a warning about the health risks of excessive thinness and poor nutrition among women, positioning what it calls 'women's underweight and malnutrition syndrome' as a newly recognized health condition.
In Japan, one in five women in their twenties is considered underweight, with a body mass index (BMI) below 18.5—a figure notably high among developed nations.
The group pointed out that being excessively thin and lacking proper nutrition can lead to health issues such as lower bone density, irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, and potential impacts on the health of future children.
To address the issue, the society held a press conference on April 17th to announce the formation of a new working group aimed at officially designating this as a new syndrome. The group will work to establish diagnostic criteria and treatment methods through further research.
The society noted several factors behind the prevalence of thinness among women in Japan. These include the influence of social media and fashion magazines, which often promote the idea that "thin is beautiful," particularly among younger women. It also cited socioeconomic factors such as poverty, which may limit access to sufficient nutrition.
The group warned that prolonged extreme dieting and unbalanced eating habits can easily lead to health problems, calling for public awareness of the dangers posed by an excessive desire to be thin.
Website: https://www.jasso.or.jp/
Source: TBS
