How To Put On Weight?

Posted on Mon, 26 May 2014

Question: I look very weak, skinny, thin. Also anamic. I want to put on some weight.

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (42 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I need details.

Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend.
Welcome to HCM. I am Dr Anshul Varshney.
I have read your query in detail. I understand your concern.

First of all there is always a reason for being Anemic that can cause weakness.

Not able to gain weight can be due to:
1. Medical Illness
2. Genetic Constituency

I would like to know a few things before i can give you a better answer :

1. You have been weak since beginning or you lost weight later?
2. How much is your Hemoglobin?
3. Have you got the work up to find the cause for anemia?
4. How are your menses? Normal ? Or increased blood flow?
5. Any history of chronic intake of any drug?
6. Any history of Tuberculosis?
7. Any history of pain abdomen or frequent loose stools and indigestion?
8. Any history of any chronic illness?
9. Any history of Palpitations, Anxiety?
10. Any history of thyroid disorders.
11. Your marital status and kids if you have.

This is my best advice for you with the available details, if you have any further query, please ask us.
Stay Healthy
Dr Anshul Varshney, MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Anshul Varshney (35 minutes later)

Thanks for your advice and below are the answers for the questions:
1) I lost weight in school days at the age arnd 10yrs or so due to study pressure.

2) Hemoglobin is ranging frm 10-11

3) No

4) Menses are normal, happening every 25 days the flow is more first 1-2 days and it stops on 4th or 5th day

5) No

6) No

7) Yes I do have frequent loose stools, indigestion & acidity, stopped taking spicy food

8) From year 2009-2012 every year i had jaundice, taken some ayurvedic medicine in yr 2012 and after that i dint had jaundice

9) No

10) I have tonsils not yet cured

11) I am about to marry on May 11th.

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (38 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Malabsorption syndromes should be ruled out.

Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend.
Analyzing your history, I would keep a possibility of Malabsorption Syndrome particularly Celiac Disease.

As this problem can cause persistent anemia and inability to gain weight.

I would also like to see your reports of liver function tests of the time you had jaundice.

Since you are getting married soon, so I would like you to get tested and fortunately if we find a cause, we can treat it and you can gain weight before your marriage!

I advise you following investigations:

1.Hemogram
2.General Blood Picture
3.Viral Markers
4.Liver Function Test
5.IgA Anti TTG Antibody to rule out Celiac Disease
6.Chest Xray
7.Thyroid Profile.

I would like to review you with these reports.
If you have any further query, please ask me.
Dr Anshul Varshney

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar