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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Very Thin And Unable To Gain Weight After Eating Lot. Can Steroids Help In Gaining Weight?

my son is 26 and is very thin. This is having a really bad effect on him physocholigically. He feel that nothing in his life is worthwhile. he can eat a lot of food but it still does not put on any weight. He does not have a girlfriend and people are nasty to him and call him skinny. He has said something about maybe sterioids would help him put weight on. Are these safe and can they be prescribed by a Doctor. He is extremely depressed.
Sun, 1 Sep 2013
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Psychiatrist 's  Response
Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.

I understand that your son is going through a distressing time due to his thin appearance. Regarding your question about taking steroids for weight gain, my opinion is that it is not advisable to take such medication without a proper indication and without the advise of a doctor. Long term intake of steroids can also have many side effects.

I would advise you to take your son to a doctor for a detailed medical evaluation to try and find out the possible reason for his poor weight gain. Once a likely cause is established, then further treatment can be targetted appropriately.

Also, since you mention that he is extremely depressed, it is advisable to take him to a psychologist or psychiatrist for counselling and further professional help.


Wish you all the best.

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist
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Addiction Medicine Specialist Dr. Preeti Parakh's  Response
Hi,

I understand that your son wants to become muscular and not fat. Steroids are not a good option because they increase weight mainly by water retention. male sex hormones may help but again are not very safe. I do not feel any doctor would be willing to prescribe steroids for weight gain because of the huge risks involved. The best option for him would be to join a gym and start working out under an experienced trainer, who can also guide him about the best diet for muscle growth.

Last but not the least, to an extent, he must learn to accept his body. Being skinny is certainly better and healthier than being fat.

Hope this helps. Best wishes.
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Is Very Thin And Unable To Gain Weight After Eating Lot. Can Steroids Help In Gaining Weight?

Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query. I understand that your son is going through a distressing time due to his thin appearance. Regarding your question about taking steroids for weight gain, my opinion is that it is not advisable to take such medication without a proper indication and without the advise of a doctor. Long term intake of steroids can also have many side effects. I would advise you to take your son to a doctor for a detailed medical evaluation to try and find out the possible reason for his poor weight gain. Once a likely cause is established, then further treatment can be targetted appropriately. Also, since you mention that he is extremely depressed, it is advisable to take him to a psychologist or psychiatrist for counselling and further professional help. Wish you all the best. Regards, Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar Consultant Psychiatrist