The Waterbury Democrat., 1935-05-11
UNDERWEIGHT AND LOW
 VTITALITY

Muscle is heavier yet less bulky than fat. Thousands of young men from white collar jobs gained several pounds in weight and re- duced inches in girth during the months they were in training camp preparing for military service. This physiological fact must be consid- cred when determining what cor rect" weight should be for a per- son of given age and height.
 Water is heavier yet less bulky than fat. Individuals following sound reduction regimen uniformly observe that their measurements begin to diminish before the scales show any lowering in body weight; likewise they notice definite in- crease in their bodily vigor, or should notice this if the regimen is right. The decrease in bulk in the first two or three weeks before any proportionate decrease in weight occurs is due to the conversion Of fat into water and carbon dioxide (by natural metabolism or internal combustion, the physiological way the body burns fat), and this wa- ter is retained in the tissues until readjustment of the metabolism enables the body to excrete it.
 The firstS essential in correcting underweight is a complete medical examination. Whether the individ- ual has always been underweight or has lost weight, it is necessary to determine whether there is any I.k Il lar incidinsIc n- deriving disease. Why mention dis eases which such examination may reveal? Don't wonder or worry about the possibility. Break down and treat yourself to health ex- animation and find out for certain just what your condition is. Just the assurance of good doctor that you have nothing like that is worth the price.
 One who was formerly plump but latterly has lost flesh or be- come emaciated is not unlikely to suffer from ptosis or sagging Of abdominal or pelvic organs, falling. displacement, and in such a case a carefully fitted supporter may inn prove digestion and promote gain in weight. Such a supporter is ef- fectively prescribed and fitted only under the individual physicians supervision. Of course it is only a makeshift, and whatever gains are made from it should be consoli- dated by posture treatment and exercise to restore tone" or resil- iency to the natural support.
 Physical activity tends to take off weight, and inactivity conduces to accumulation of fat. Earlier to bed and later to rise is a good rule for the holy fright. An hour of extra rest, even though one does not sleep, helps to store up fat. A long afternoon nap or mid-day siesta is good habit when one wishes to gain weight. But even the skinniest of creatures requires fair amount of exercise daily to maintain the best state of nutrition unless there is some particular condition which renders exercise unadvisable in the judgment of the physician.
 It is important to remember that moderate excess of weight in youth is not only pleasing in ap- pearance but such plumpness seems to be assurance against that great destroyer of youth. tubercu- losis. Past the age of thirty, how ever, any excess of weight becomes a handicap to the heart, blood ves- sells and general metabolism and may be regarded as life shortening Few stout persons live to a ripe old age. Here is where corpulencs definitely impairs vitality.