Being underweight can be a concern, especially when it is due to poor nutrition and diseases. Not being able to maintain a minimal body weight can lead to various health concerns like malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies, anemia, decreased immune function, growth, and developmental issues.
According to a study, being underweight is associated with a 140 percent greater risk of early death in men and a 100 percent risk in women.
We categorize the common causes of being underweight into - physical and psychological.
Thus, inability to gain weight or a sudden unexplained weight loss calls for medical attention. Besides the appropriate treatment of the cause, a healthy diet and lifestyle changes will assist in weight gain.
Healthy weight gain requires a balanced approach, similar to a weight loss program. You do not qualify to binge on junk food and other food with empty calories!! It may help you put on a few kilos, but with several adverse health consequences.
Let us look at healthy ways to improve your body weight.
Eating plenty of fats, carbohydrates, and protein in the diet is important for a healthy weight gain. Including nuts and seeds will increase the calorie intake. They need be consumed in soaked form so as ward off all anti-nutrients and enzyme inhibitors. You could combine them with your favorite fruit and blend together with a natural sweetener to get a mouthwatering smoothie. Almonds and walnuts are the best ingredients in a smoothie. It tastes even better when combined with seeds such as sunflower, pumpkin, flax, and chia.
Consuming whole milk is an excellent way to gain muscle. It is an excellent source of protein which provides both casein and whey proteins. It is also a good source of calcium, as well as other vitamins and minerals.
When dealing with a reduced appetite, it is essential to consume nutrient-rich food. This can include high protein meat, fish, and egg. Healthy carbohydrates can be added to the diet, such as brown rice and whole grains.
A disciplined meal regime is essential for proper assimilation and absorption of food. Eat at least three (3) meals a day along with intermittent energy-dense snacks as fillers.
Protein supplements are an easy and cost-effective method of weight gain, especially when combined with strength training.
The Abbott Therapeutic Complete Balanced Nutrition provides concentrated calories and proteins to help gain or maintain a healthy weight. It benefits patients who have malnutrition, are at nutritional risk or are experiencing involuntary weight loss. It can be used with or between meals or even as a meal replacement.
The Nestle Complete Calorically Nutrition is a tube feeding formula to combat malnutrition and meet increased energy requirements of those with limited fluid tolerance. Another medical product is the Abbott Jevity 1.5 Cal High-Protein Nutritional Drink with Fiber. It is meant for the tube as well as oral feeding. It is calorically dense and has a unique fiber blend that provides complete and balanced nutrition.
![]() |
![]() |
In order to ensure that the calories consumed are utilized towards building muscle mass, do weightlifting. Strength training in the form of yoga can also be undertaken. Exercises such as cardio and aerobics should be avoided as these will burn calories and go against the goal of weight gain.
![]() |
![]() |
For those unable to consume a regular diet nutrition or unable to assimilate and absorb nutrition through food, nutritional supplements are important. The Nestle Dense Liquid Nutrition with SpikeRight Plus Port is high in calories, fiber, and protein. It is used in cases of malnutrition as well as for those suffering from pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis and fluid restricted or volume sensitive diet.
The Abbott Therapeutic High-Protein Nutrition is a calorically dense, immune supporting, hydrolyzed enteral formula. It is meant for metabolically stressed surgical, trauma, burn, or head and neck cancer patients, in need of an immune modulating enteral formula. It is a sole source nutrition for tube feeding.
![]() |
![]() |
So, while weight gain may be difficult to achieve, it requires a holistic approach. It is a combination of healthy diet, exercise and healthy lifestyle. Any underlying health problem if any needs to be corrected. Finally, consistent and dedicated efforts while following a weight gain program will show desired results.
Disclaimer: All content found on our website, including images, videos, infographics and text were created solely for informational purposes. Our content should never be used for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Content shared on our websites is not meant to be used as a substitute for advice from a certified medical professional. Reliance on the information provided on our website as a basis for patient treatment is solely at your own risk. We urge all our customers to always consult a physician or a certified medical professional before trying or using a new medical product.
Swati Chadha has been a Health Products For You contributor since 2017. A stay-at-home mom of two wonderful children, her professional experience has been in the social development sector with a focus on reproductive health and HIV/AIDS prevention. She considers ...
What Everyone Should Know About Resistance Band Colors
Resistance exercise bands come in a number of colors and it’s not just for decoration. Many people use these bands however, they do not have the knowledge of the colors and the purpose with which they are designed.
5 Facts about Syringes You Wish You Knew Before
A syringe is a pump consisting of a snugly fit piston(or plunger) within a calibrated glass or plastic cylinder called a barrel.The syringe is equipped with a hypodermic needle, nozzle, or tubing that helps direct the flow of medication.
TOP 5 BEST REVIEWED NEBULIZERS OF 2022
Breathing disorders, such as COPD or asthma, can be a major detriment when it comes to quality-of-life issues.Treating these breathing ailments with medications is the main course of treatment.Being able to deliver aerosol medication directly into the lungs in an expedited fashion is the best way to manage these lung disorders. The use of a nebulizer for aerosol medications allows for the efficient and easy delivery of these medications.
MINERAL OIL VS SALINE ENEMA: WHICH ONE TO CHOOSE?
An enema is used for many reasons.Just as there are many reasons, there are different types of enemas, each of which contains different ingredients and works differently in the body. While some may choose an enema to soften stool or for routine colon cleansing, the reason for using an enema may have more of a medical necessity.
FIVE BEST CERVICAL TRACTION DEVICES OF 2022
Cervical traction is a technique applied to the cervical region of the body to help alleviate neck pain, discomfort, and other physical conditions related to the cervical region.Cervical traction works by stressing the neck, pulling, and pushing, thus reducing the pressure on the spine, the neck, and the upper torso.Excessive stress on the neck, spine, and upper region, due to a wide range of conditions or injuries can cause severe pain and can lead to other complications.Cervical traction devices help alleviates these conditions thus offering overall body rehabilitation and treatment options.