Publisher's Synopsis
PREVIEW
Eating nutritious foods that are high in calories is a good way to gain weight. It's also important to understand the reason why you're underweight.
Being underweight can be defined in a couple of ways. It can mean low weight for a person's height, defined as a body mass index (BMI) of less than 18.5. It also could be weight that is 15 to 20% below the typical weight for a person's age.
There are many reasons you may not be at your goal weight. Recovering from an illness or losing weight as you age are two examples. It's also common for athletes to want to gain weight as muscle.
It is best to see your health care provider if you lost weight unexpectedly. Your provider or a dietitian can help you gain weight in a healthy way. Together, you can create a plan based on your needs.
Weight gain, especially if it's new, can signal a number of health conditions. For example, someone with heart failure might experience weight gain from fluid retention-which might appear as swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, or belly. "This would likely be accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue or shortness of breath," Dr. Apovian says.
Other underlying conditions associated with weight gain include
Diabetes
Certain kidney diseases
Sleep apnea (pauses in breathing during sleep)
Thyroid problems.
Gaining weight can be difficult for some people. With a few changes, you can gradually reach a healthy weight.
Being underweight could mean you're missing out on vitamins and minerals.
This could lead to health problems such as a weak immune system and bone fractures.
