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Concerned About Being Extremely Underweight – Seeking Advice on Healthy Weight Gain
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Nutrition & Diet
Question #12335
10 hours ago
38

Concerned About Being Extremely Underweight – Seeking Advice on Healthy Weight Gain - #12335

Alejandro

Hi doctor, I’m a 17-year-old male, 6 feet tall, and I weigh about 48 kg (106 lb). I’ve always been very thin, but lately I’m starting to worry that my weight is too low. I often feel tired and weak. I’d like to know what could be causing this and what steps I can take to safely gain weight and build muscle. Are there any specific dietary changes, exercises, or tests you would recommend? Thanks!

Age: 17
Skinny
Underweight
300 INR (~3.53 USD)
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Doctors’ responses

Dr. Bharat Joshi
I’m a periodontist and academician with a strong clinical and teaching background. Over the last 4 years and 8 months, I’ve been actively involved in dental education, guiding students at multiple levels including dental hygienist, BDS, and MDS programs. Currently, I serve as a Reader at MMCDSR in Ambala, Haryana—a role that allows me to merge my academic passion with hands-on experience. Clinically, I’ve been practicing dentistry for the past 12 years. From routine procedures like scaling and root planing to more advanced cases involving grafts, biopsies, and implant surgeries. Honestly, I still find joy in doing a simple RCT when it’s needed. It’s not just about the procedure but making sure the patient feels comfortable and safe. Academically, I have 26 research publications to my credit. I’m on the editorial boards of the Archives of Dental Research and Journal of Dental Research and Oral Health, and I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing manuscripts—from case reports to meta-analyses and even book reviews. I was honored to receive the “Best Editor” award by Innovative Publications, and Athena Publications recognized me as an “excellent reviewer,” which honestly came as a bit of a surprise! In 2025, I had the opportunity to present a guest lecture in Italy on traumatic oral lesions. Sharing my work and learning from peers globally has been incredibly fulfilling. Outside academics and clinics, I’ve also worked in the pharmaceutical sector as a Drug Safety Associate for about 3 years, focusing on pharmacovigilance. That role really sharpened my attention to detail and deepened my understanding of drug interactions and adverse effects. My goal is to keep learning, and give every patient and student my absolute best.
9 hours ago
5

Hello dear Yes as per bmi guidelines you are quite young Iam suggesting some precautions Please follow them for atleast 2 months Do weight gaining exercises like vajrasana and surya namaskar Eat grams and cheese in between meals Consume staple diet Avoid synthetic supplements Take zincovit multivitamin onca a day for 2 months Take products of desi ghee for fat buid up In addition get following tests done Serum RBS Serum tsh Serum ferritin In case of no improvement in 1 month consult dietician in person for better clarity Hopefully you improve Regards Serum

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Dr. Shayeque Reza
I completed my medical degree in 2023, but honestly, my journey in healthcare started way before that. Since 2018, I’ve been actively involved in clinical practice—getting hands-on exposure across multiple departments like ENT, pediatrics, dermatology, ophthalmology, medicine, and emergency care. One of the most intense and defining phases of my training was working at a District Government Hospital for a full year during the COVID pandemic. It was chaotic, unpredictable, and exhausting—but it also grounded me in real-world medicine like no textbook ever could. Over time, I’ve worked in both OPD and IPD setups, handling everything from mild viral fevers to more stubborn, long-term conditions. These day-to-day experiences really built my base and taught me how to stay calm when things get hectic—and how to adjust fast when plans don’t go as expected. What I’ve learned most is that care isn't only about writing the right medicine. It’s about being fully there, listening properly, and making sure the person feels seen—not just treated. Alongside clinical work, I’ve also been exposed to preventive health, health education, and community outreach. These areas really matter to me because I believe real impact begins outside the hospital, with awareness and early intervention. My approach is always centered around clarity, empathy, and clinical logic—I like to make sure every patient knows exactly what’s going on and why we’re doing what we’re doing. I’ve always felt a pull towards general medicine and internal care, and honestly, I’m still learning every single day—each patient brings a new lesson. Medicine never really sits still, it keeps shifting, and I try to shift with it. Not just in terms of what I know, but also in how I listen and respond. For me, it’s always been about giving real care. Genuine, respectful, and the kind that actually helps a person heal—inside and out.
5 hours ago
5

Investigation: 1) CBC 2) Thyroid profile 3) Vitamin B12 and D3 4) Fasting sugar 5) Stool RE and ME

Underweight likely due to calorie deficit or fast metabolism. Focus on 3000 kcal/day + strength training + sleep. Get basic blood & thyroid tests done. Weight will rise gradually and safely in 6–8 weeks.

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Dr. Varunkumar J
I am an ENT specialist with over 6 years of clincial practice and in this time I have tried to balance hospital work with building my own setup. Currently I work as Consultant at Meridian Hospital Kolathur and also as visiting consultant at VIHAA Hospital Anna Nagar. Along with this I started SCOPE ENT CLINIC in Villivakkam, which is my own space to treat patients with more time n focus. Running a clinic teaches you different kind of responsibility, not only treatment but also trust, making sure patient feels heard and safe. My practice covers a wide range of ENT issues, from common ear infections, sinus problems, throat disorders to more complex surgical cases. I try to focus on giving indiviualised treatment plans, because each patient story is differnt even if the diagnosis sounds similar. Working in multiple hospitals also let me collabrate with other specialities which is important when dealing with complicated ENT cases linked to allergy, pediatrics or even neuro. Founding my own clinic was both challenging and rewarding. Some days are hard, managing staff, handling emergencies, ensuring things run smooth.. but it gave me chance to create an environment where patients get continuity of care. For me ENT is not just about procedures but also education, I try to explain conditions in simple words, guide on prevention and lifestyle changes that can reduce recurrnce. Over these years, what matters most to me is not just how many cases I handled but the connections built with patients and their families. I want to keep growing, keep learning new techniques and stay updated with advances in ENT, but at the same time keep the human touch alive in practice.
5 hours ago
5

Hi Dear Alejandro , Kindly donot worry Its not bad to be thin Kindly do certain tests before starting your diet Kindly do RBS ,FT3 FT4 TSH , USG A+P , Hb Kindly take good fats , protien rich diet kindly donot stress take care

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Dr. Arsha K Isac
I am a general dentist with 3+ years of working in real-world setups, and lemme say—every single patient teaches me something diff. It’s not just teeth honestly, it’s people… and how they feel walking into the chair. I try really hard to not make it just a “procedure thing.” I explain stuff in plain words—no confusing dental jargon, just straight talk—coz I feel like when ppl *get* what's going on, they feel safer n that makes all the difference. Worked with all ages—like, little kids who need that gentle nudge about brushing, to older folks who come in with long histories and sometimes just need someone to really sit n listen. It’s weirdly rewarding to see someone walk out lighter, not just 'coz their toothache's gone but coz they felt seen during the whole thing. A lot of ppl come in scared or just unsure, and I honestly take that seriously. I keep the vibe calm. Try to read their mood, don’t rush. I always tell myself—every smile’s got a story, even the broken ones. My thing is: comfort first, then precision. I want the outcome to last, not just look good for a week. Not tryna claim perfection or magic solutions—just consistent, clear, hands-on care where patients feel heard. I think dentistry should *fit* the person, not push them into a box. That's kinda been my philosophy from day one. And yeah, maybe sometimes I overexplain or spend a bit too long checking alignment again but hey, if it means someone eats pain-free or finally smiles wide in pics again? Worth it. Every time.
3 hours ago
5

Hi Alejandro,

You’re still growing, so with the right support, you can absolutely gain weight safely and build strength.

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

I hope this helps Feel free to talk Thank you

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Dr. Prasannajeet Singh Shekhawat
I am a 2023 batch passout and working as a general physician right now, based in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan. Still kinda new in the bigger picture maybe, but honestly—every single day in this line teaches you more than textbooks ever could. I’ve had the chance to work under some pretty respected doctors during and after my graduation, not just for the clinical part but also to see how they handle people, real people, in pain, in panic, and sometimes just confused about their own health. General medicine covers a lot, right? Like from the smallest complaints to those random, vague symptoms that no one really understands at first—those are kinda my zone now. I don’t really rush to label things, I try to spend time actually listening. Feels weird to say it but ya, I do take that part seriously. Some patients just need someone to hear the whole story instead of jumping to prescription pads after 30 seconds. Right now, my practice includes everything from managing common infections, blood pressure issues, sugar problems to more layered cases where symptoms overlap and you gotta just... piece things together. It's not glamorous all the time, but it's real. I’ve handled a bunch of seasonal disease waves too, like dengue surges and viral fevers that hit rural belts hard—Hanumangarh doesn’t get much spotlight but there’s plenty happening out here. Also, I do rely on basics—thorough history, solid clinical exam and yeah when needed, investigations. But not over-prescribing things just cz they’re there. One thing I picked up from the senior consultants I worked with—they used to say “don’t chase labs, chase the patient’s story”... stuck with me till now. Anyway, still learning every single day tbh. But I like that. Keeps me grounded and kind of obsessed with trying to get better.
3 hours ago
5

Hello dear Practical steps to reach a healthier weight safely-

1)Get a medical checkup - Ask a clinician to check vitals, growth charts, basic labs (CBC, iron studies, TSH, metabolic panel, celiac screen, vitamin D) and activity level.

2)Track current intake briefly - Record everything you eat for 3–7 days (portion sizes). This reveals gaps in calories, protein and nutrients without relying on memory.

3)Increase daily calorie intake in a structured way - Add 300–500 kcal/day as a starting goal; aim for gradual weight gain of 0.5–1 lb/week. - Prefer nutrient-dense, calorie-dense options: nuts and nut butters, avocados, whole-fat dairy (or fortified plant alternatives), olive oil, hummus, smoothies with milk/yogurt/banana/oats/protein powder.

4)Prioritize protein and resistance exercise - Target ~1.2–1.6 g protein/kg body weight (about 55–75 g/day for your weight) to support muscle gain. - Add 2–4 sessions/week of progressive resistance training (bodyweight progressing to weights) to convert extra calories into lean mass.

5)Eat more frequently and add small boosts - 3 meals + 2–3 snacks; add a bedtime snack like yogurt with granola or peanut butter on toast. - Mix liquids and solids (smoothies, meal-replacement shakes) if large meals feel hard to eat.

6)Monitor progress and adjust - Weigh weekly at the same time; aim for steady upward trend. If no change after 4–6 weeks, increase calories further or consult a dietitian.

7)Consult professionals - Registered dietitian (preferably pediatric or adolescent experience) for meal plans and portion guidance. - If labs or symptoms suggest medical causes, follow up with appropriate specialists (endocrinology, gastroenterology).

Thank you

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Dr. Perambalur Ayyadurai Rohith
I am a general physician with more than 10 yr of clinical experiance, and in this time I worked with patients from all age groups, from young kids to elderly with multiple chronic issues. My practice has been wide, but I gradually developed deeper intrest in diabetology. I spend much of my day focusing on prevention, early diagnosis and management of diabetes, using lifestyle modification, medical therapy and regular monitoring. Many patients come worried about complications, and I try to explain things in simple language, whether it is diet, excercise, or understanding lab reports, so they dont feel lost. I also conduct detailed diagnostic evaluation and use evidence based protocols to make sure treatment is reliable and updated, even if sometimes I double check myself when results dont match the clinical picture. Apart from regular OPD practice, I gained strong experiance in occupational health. Over years I worked with multiple companies handling pre employment checks, annual medical exams, workplace wellness programs, and ensuring compliance with industrial health and safety standards. It is diffrent from hospital practice, but equally important, because healthy workers mean safe and productive workplace. I run medical surveillance programs and health awareness sessions in collaboration with corporates, and this also gave me exposure to preventive strategies on a large scale. For me, patient care is not just treatment but building trust. My career revolve around preventive medicine, ethical clinical practice, and continuous learning. I keep myself updated with modern medical protocols, but I also value listening to patient worries, since medicine is not only about lab values but also about how a person feels in daily life. I make mistakes in words sometimes, but in my work I try to be very precise. At end of day, my aim is to provide care that is accessible, evidence based and truly centered on patient well being.
2 hours ago
5

1. Being 6 feet tall and 48 kg means your BMI is quite low, suggesting calorie deficit or possible nutrient malabsorption.

2. First, rule out causes like thyroid imbalance, vitamin D or B12 deficiency, anemia, or intestinal issues through basic blood tests.

3. Eat every 3 hours include 5–6 high-calorie meals daily with foods like rice, potatoes, paneer, eggs, bananas, peanut butter, and milkshakes.

4. Add healthy fats such as ghee, nuts, seeds, and olive oil to every meal for steady calorie gain.

5. Include protein-rich foods like eggs, chicken, lentils, and curd to build muscle mass.

6. Start light strength training or resistance workouts they help convert calories into lean muscle instead of fat.

7. Sleep at least 8 hours and avoid skipping meals; consistency is key. With proper diet and exercise, expect visible results in 6–8 weeks.

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