Concerned About Being Extremely Underweight – Seeking Advice on Healthy Weight Gain - #12335
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!
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.