Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Unable To Gain Weight Even After Eating Right. Doctor-prescribed Medicine?
Question: I cant gain weight at all..I eat right and still nothing..I was wondering if there is something that can be prescribed by my doctor that will help me gain weight?
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
Being lean and thin can be due to many causes and finding out the main cause will help in gaining the weight. Genetics is the main factor responsible. If your parents or siblings are also underweight then may be it is in your genes. The causes that need to be ruled out are -
1. Depression.
2. Addison's disease- A hormonal problem- Some simple blood tests will rule this out.
3. Chronic illness-A long standing viral illness also causes lack of a healthy look.
4. GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)- I hope you do not have any pain abdomen, loose stools, burning sensation in upper abdomen, etc.
5. Viral gastroenteritis.
6. Stress and anxiety.
7. Malnutrition.
8. Intestinal worms.
9. Thyroid disorders.
All these causes need to be ruled out with the help of your physician after a thorough examination and some blood tests.
The primary rule is to increase the calorie intake and do some form of exercise along with it.
Some measures:
1)Start your day with a healthy breakfast comprising a glass of milk and a banana or a banana milkshake.
2)Have frequent small meals every three hours in a day and divide them into six small meals comprising of proteins in one meal as pulses, cereals, beans, legumes, etc.
3)Have energy dense foods as dry fruits, nuts, seeds when you snack.
4)If you take non veg have fish,chicken with dal rice thrice in a week.
5)Avoid junk food intake as it has empty calories.
6)Make an exercise plan and do some form of muscle building exercises. It will be best if you do under guidance of a trainer so that he can analyze and observe for changes. Exercises like squats, chin-ups and bench press help in weight gain.
7)Avoid smoking, alcohol if you are using them regularly.
8)Drink lots of water.
You can consult a Nutritionist who can guide you according to your cuisines and then keep tracking for changes.
There is no substitute of eating a healthy diet for gaining weight.
Hope this answers your query. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Regards.
Thanks for posting your query.
Being lean and thin can be due to many causes and finding out the main cause will help in gaining the weight. Genetics is the main factor responsible. If your parents or siblings are also underweight then may be it is in your genes. The causes that need to be ruled out are -
1. Depression.
2. Addison's disease- A hormonal problem- Some simple blood tests will rule this out.
3. Chronic illness-A long standing viral illness also causes lack of a healthy look.
4. GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)- I hope you do not have any pain abdomen, loose stools, burning sensation in upper abdomen, etc.
5. Viral gastroenteritis.
6. Stress and anxiety.
7. Malnutrition.
8. Intestinal worms.
9. Thyroid disorders.
All these causes need to be ruled out with the help of your physician after a thorough examination and some blood tests.
The primary rule is to increase the calorie intake and do some form of exercise along with it.
Some measures:
1)Start your day with a healthy breakfast comprising a glass of milk and a banana or a banana milkshake.
2)Have frequent small meals every three hours in a day and divide them into six small meals comprising of proteins in one meal as pulses, cereals, beans, legumes, etc.
3)Have energy dense foods as dry fruits, nuts, seeds when you snack.
4)If you take non veg have fish,chicken with dal rice thrice in a week.
5)Avoid junk food intake as it has empty calories.
6)Make an exercise plan and do some form of muscle building exercises. It will be best if you do under guidance of a trainer so that he can analyze and observe for changes. Exercises like squats, chin-ups and bench press help in weight gain.
7)Avoid smoking, alcohol if you are using them regularly.
8)Drink lots of water.
You can consult a Nutritionist who can guide you according to your cuisines and then keep tracking for changes.
There is no substitute of eating a healthy diet for gaining weight.
Hope this answers your query. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Jyoti Patil
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
