Lots of factors
Lean body mass
Age
Gender
Body size
Genes
Emotional and physical stress
Thyroid hormone levels
Nutritional state
Caffeine and nicotine intake
Type of nutrients consumed
composition of a meal
alcohol intake, age
athletic training status
type of activity performed
duration of activity
body weight/composition
body size/composition
duration and intensity of physical activity
weight loss.
Bioelectric Impedance Analysis (BIA)
Skinfold Thickness
Hydrostatic Weighing
BOD POD
Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA)
Waist Circumference
Inadequate calorie intake
Excessive exercise
Medical conditions causing malabsorption (e.g. inflammatory bowel disorder, celiac disease, cancer)
Substance abuse, smoking
Certain medications
Associated with increased risk of premature death
Reduced body fat and muscle mass
Affects electrolyte balance
Compromises immune system
Delays sexual development in adolescents
Causes health complications in fetus & elderly
Correlated with depression and anxiety
Higher risk of anemia, osteoporosis and bone fractures, heart irregularities, and amenorrhea
Abnormal and potentially harmful eating patterns.
Refusing to eat
Compulsive eating
Binge eating
Restrictive eating
Vomiting after eating
Abusing diet pills, laxatives, or diuretics.