Underweight, want to increase my weight - #11663
Almost 6 feet I'm, but weight is only 51 kg, lost appetite, tried multiple protein sources before, but couldn't find best. Please help me put of this situation. Do i need to take any medicine to increase weight?
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Doctors’ responses
Hi Ashis,
First we have to rule out whether this is due to any medical reason.For that you have to do some tests: 1.Thyroid profile 2.CBC 3.LFT/RFT 4.Stool routine and culture
Meanwhile: Follow calorie dense diet+ strength training exercises 1.Frequent meals 2.Take Calorie-dense foods such as peanut butter,nuts,almonds,Milk,Eggs,potatoes 3. High-calorie shakes/smoothie 4.Whey protein
Supplements: Omega 3 Zinc+multivitamin
For appetite: Syp: Megestrol 125mg 5ml once a day
Thank you
Hello Ashis,
You need to consider getting theses investigations done - CBC, LFT, RFT, Thyroid Function Test, FBS/PPBS, Stool Test.
Your BMI is quite low, we should work on increasing that. Main reason seems to be low appetite and low calorie intake, but we should also rule out thyroid, diabetes, and malabsorption, by getting done the above investigations.
Diet: Take 5–6 meals/day. Add calorie-rich foods like banana shake, mango shake, dry fruits, paneer, eggs, chicken/fish, peanut butter, and ghee. Drink 1 glass milk with dry fruits daily. Whey protein can be used along with food. The brand “Only what’s needed” is making a good whey protein, you can try that, if you are exercising.
Lifestyle: Do light exercise or yoga to stimulate appetite, and sleep 7–8 hrs.
Medicines: Syp. Cyproheptadine 5ml, before meals, twice a day. Tab. Albendazole 400mg only once
With consistent diet & lifestyle, you can gain 0.5–1 kg per month safely.
Regards,
Dr. Nirav Jain MBBS, DNB, D.Fam.Med
Being 6 feet tall with a weight of 51 kg suggests you are underweight, and poor appetite may be due to nutritional deficiencies, thyroid or digestive issues, or stress. Medicines are generally not the first choice for weight gain — instead, a high-calorie balanced diet with protein, healthy fats, and medical evaluation for underlying causes is important. Please consult a physician or dietitian to rule out health problems and create a safe weight-gain plan tailored for you.
1.Your BMI is very low, and loss of appetite is a main reason for not gaining weight.
2.First step is to rule out causes like thyroid issues, diabetes, or stomach problems.
3.Instead of only protein, focus on balanced diet with carbs, healthy fats, and proteins.
4.Eat small frequent meals, add nuts, milkshakes, peanut butter, eggs, and rice regularly.
5.Medicines are not the first option appetite boosters or supplements are used only if needed after evaluation.
6.Meeting a doctor for basic blood tests and a diet plan will help you gain weight safely.
7.With proper diet and medical guidance, weight gain is possible in a healthy way don’t rely only on quick medicines.
Hello dear See as per your height weight ratio and BMR analysis your weight should be 70-74 kg See it seems either any metabolic disorder or malnutrition I suggest you to please get following tests done and share reports with general physician or dietician for better clarification Serum TSH Rbs Rft Lft Serum ferritin Kindly share the details with general physician or dietician for better clarification Please follow below instructions Do exercises especially weight gaining Take zincovit multivitamin therapy Avoid alcohol or smoking if taking already Avoid food supplements without consulting the concerned doctor Include nuts and grams in your diet In case of no recovery consult dietician Please donot take any medications without consulting the concerned doctor Regards
Hi sir,
First let us find out the cause for low bmi …we need to rule out hyperthyroid and diabetes.Try to take dry fruits like cashew,badam. High calorie diet … High protein diet Syp.Aptivate 10ml morning and night time…It will improve your appetite … Thank you
You are underweight with low appetite → first rule out medical causes, then use appetite boosters + high-calorie diet + strength training. Medicines like appetite syrups or Cyproheptadine can help short-term, but the main solution is diet + underlying cause correction
Thank you.
Hello dear Age 24yr height 6.1 weight 51 It’s underweight First try 1. Track your current average daily calories for 3–5 days (phone apps help) 2. Add ~300 kcal/day (example: a peanut-butter banana smoothie or a handful of nuts + yogurt). 3. Include a source of protein with every meal (eggs/lean meat/legumes/dairy). 4. Start frequent meal4-5 time a day 5. Sleep and manage stress — both affect appetite and muscle gain. If still no improvement then Thyroid test Complete blood count specially haemoglobin If u have acidity and full stomach then correct it It can be due to hookworm so take tab 1 Advice 1) Tab Albandazole 300mg 1 tab Syrup cyproheptidine 2 spoon twice a day Tab multivitamin it helps to boost hunger If still no benefit then go hospital and consult with general medicine doctor
Addressing low weight effectively involves a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, it’s important to identify any underlying medical conditions or nutritional deficits that might be contributing to your weight loss and loss of appetite. Conditions such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, or mental health issues like anxiety or depression can impact appetite and weight. If you haven’t already, it would be advisable to schedule a comprehensive evaluation with a healthcare provider to rule out these possibilities. Once underlying conditions are considered, focus on optimizing your nutrition. Aiming for calorie-dense, nutritious foods can be beneficial. Incorporate healthy fats like nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil into your meals. Add more starchy vegetables, whole grains, and quality protein sources like chicken, fish, tofu, and legumes. Instead of three big meals, try smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to make it easier on your stomach. Supplements can sometimes be beneficial. A multivitamin or a high-calorie protein shake may support your efforts as a temporary aid. However, it’s crucial these are complementary to a balanced diet rather than a replacement. Consult a dietitian for personalized advice tailored to your preferences and any dietary restrictions. Exercise, especially resistance training, can also stimulate appetite and promote muscle growth, aiding healthy weight gain. Medicines are not typically requisite to increase weight and may not address the root issue of appetite loss. Remember, before starting any supplement or making significant dietary changes, discussing with a healthcare professional ensures they align with your current health needs.
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