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How can I gain weight and be healthier at 18 years old?
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Nutrition & Diet
Question #24630
45 days ago
167

How can I gain weight and be healthier at 18 years old? - #24630

Client_e8fd9a

Hello Doctor! Meri Age 18 years hai or mera weight 38kg sy 40kg tak hi rehta hai Mera weight zyda hi nahi hota mein es wajh se bhot pareshan hun mein bht patli smart nazr ati hun or ye suit ni karta mery p Mujy thori si healthy hona hai or weight gain krna hai ghar p kesy weight gain kar sakti mein or meri age k hisab se kitna weight hona chahye mera?

How long have you been concerned about your weight?:

- More than 6 months

What does your typical daily diet look like?:

- I skip meals often

Do you have any medical conditions that affect your weight?:

- No, I'm healthy
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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.
44 days ago
5

Hello ji Aapki abhi growth hai . Focus height pe karo weight gain side by side ho Jayega Kuch precautions likh raha hun isko follow karna Replacement of carbohydrates with protein diet Take nuts and fruits in between meals Be hydrated Avoid junk food Take zincovit multivitamin therapy onca a day for 1 month Take ashwagandha fir strength Do physical exercise atleast half an hour daily Take adequate ghee and fat rich food for growth Take jaggery in place of direct sugar Avoid refined food Avoid excessive thinking Add milk products for calcium level Hopefully improvement will occur In case of no improvement consult dietician in person for better clarity Regards

2087 answered questions
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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.
44 days ago
5

Hello Aapki age 18 saal hai aur weight 38–40 kg hai, aur aap apne liye thoda healthy weight chahti hain—yeh bilkul samajh aata hai! Aapka ideal weight aapki height par depend karta hai, lekin aam taur par 18 saal ki ladki ke liye agar height 5 feet 2 inch (157 cm) ke aas-paas hai toh healthy weight 47–55 kg ke beech hota hai. Agar aapki height isse kam ya zyada hai toh range thodi badal sakti hai.

Ghar Par Healthy Weight Gain Karne Ke Tips 1. Har Meal Mein Protein Shamil Karein: Dahi, doodh, paneer, anda, daal, chana, rajma, soya, chicken, ya fish. 2. Healthy Fats Ka Istemaal Karein: Ghee, makhan, peanut butter, nuts (badam, akhrot), seeds (til, flaxseed), aur avocado. 3. Carbs Ka Intake Badhayein: Roti, chawal, poha, upma, suji ka halwa, potatoes, sweet potatoes. 4. Din Mein 5–6 Chhote Meals Le: Har 2–3 ghante kuch na kuch khayein—jaise fruits, dry fruits, milkshake, smoothie, banana shake. 5. Exercise Karein: Thoda strength training ya yoga muscle banane mein madad karta hai, sirf khana se sirf fat badhega, muscles nahi. 6. Hydration: Pani, nariyal paani, fresh juice, lekin cold drinks aur junk food avoid karein.

Extra Tips - Raat ko sone se pehle doodh ya banana shake le sakti hain. - Stress na lein, weight gain dheere-dheere hota hai. - Agar bhook nahi lagti ya digestion mein problem hai toh doctor se consult karein.

Thank you

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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.
44 days ago
5

Aapki age mein healthy weight generally 45–55 kg (height ke hisaab se) hota hai. Is liye aapko slow aur healthy weight gain karna chahiye (2–3 kg per month safe hota hai).

Ghar par weight gain ke liye:

• Meals skip na karein — 3 main meals + 2–3 snacks daily • Har meal mein protein + carbs + healthy fats add karein • High-calorie healthy foods: – Doodh, banana shake, mango shake – Peanut butter, nuts, dates (khajoor), almonds – Eggs, chicken, daal, paneer – Rice, roti, potatoes – Ghee/butter thori quantity mein • Sone se pehle milk ya shake • Light exercise ya walking karein → appetite barhta hai • 7–8 hours sleep lein

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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.
45 days ago
5

Helloh

At 18 years, 38–40 kg is underweight for most girls (exact ideal weight depends on your height). If your height is around 5’2”–5’4”, healthy weight is usually 45–55 kg.

Since you skip meals, that is likely the main reason.

What to do at home to gain weight (healthy way):

Don’t skip meals – eat 3 main meals + 2 snacks daily.

Add calorie-rich but healthy foods:

Milk (2 glasses daily) Banana shake / mango shake Peanut butter, nuts, dates Eggs (1–2 daily) Rice, roti, potatoes Paneer, chicken, daal

Add 1 extra roti or extra rice in meals.

Do light strength exercises (squats, lunges) to build muscle, not just fat.

Sleep 7–8 hours daily.

If you eat properly for 2–3 months, you can gain 2–4 kg safely.

If still no weight gain, then check thyroid, hemoglobin, vitamin D once.

I trust this helps Thank you Take care

1243 answered questions
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Dr. Alan Reji
I'm Dr. Alan Reji, a general dentist with a deep-rooted passion for helping people achieve lasting oral health while making dental visits feel less intimidating. I graduated from Pushpagiri College of Dental Sciences (batch of 2018), and ever since, I've been committed to offering high-quality care that balances both advanced clinical knowledge and genuine compassion for my patients. Starting Dent To Smile here in Palakkad wasn’t just about opening a clinic—it was really about creating a space where people feel relaxed the moment they walk in. Dental care can feel cold or overly clinical, and I’ve always wanted to change that. So I focused on making it warm, easygoing, and centered completely around you. I mix new-age tech with some good old-fashioned values—really listening, explaining stuff without jargon, and making sure you feel involved, not just treated. From regular cleanings to fillings or even cosmetic work, I try my best to keep things smooth and stress-free. No hidden steps. No last-minute surprises. I have a strong interest in patient education and preventive dentistry. I genuinely believe most dental issues can be caught early—or even avoided—when patients are given the right information at the right time. That’s why I take time to talk, not just treat. Helping people understand why something’s happening is as important to me as treating what’s happening. At my practice, I’ve made it a point to stay current with the latest innovations—digital diagnostics, minimally invasive techniques, and smart scheduling that respects people’s time. I also try to make my services accessible and affordable, because good dental care shouldn’t be out of reach for anyone.
43 days ago
5

At 18 years, a weight of 38–40 kg is low for most girls, but the ideal weight depends on your height — generally a healthy BMI suggests about 45–55 kg for average height (around 155–165 cm). Since you skip meals, the main focus should be regular eating: 3 main meals + 2–3 snacks daily, including milk, eggs, nuts, bananas, peanut butter, rice, dal, healthy oils, and protein-rich foods along with light strength exercise. If weight does not increase or you have poor appetite, please consult a physician or dietitian to check for nutritional deficiencies or metabolic causes and get a personalized diet plan.

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Gaining weight in a healthy way at 18 years old involves a few key strategies centered around your diet and lifestyle. First, focus on consuming more calories than your body burns, but ensure these calories come from nutritious sources. Aim to incorporate calorie-dense foods into your meals, such as nuts, seeds, avocados, and whole grains. Protein is important for building muscle too, so adding more lean protein sources like chicken, fish, eggs, and legumes can be beneficial. Try to spread your meals into five to six smaller ones throughout the day rather than sticking to three large meals. This helps ensure you’re steadily supplying your body with the nutrients it needs to grow.

Apart from diet, incorporate strength training exercises into your routine. Building muscle can help increase your weight gain and also provide a healthier physique. Focus on exercises that use weights or resistance bands, such as squats, lunges, and push-ups. Remember to balance exercise with adequate rest, so aim for at least 7-9 hours of sleep per night as it aids recovery and growth.

Given your height and gender, a healthy weight can vary, but a BMI (Body Mass Index) between 18.5 to 24.9 is generally considered healthy for adults. You might find BMI online calculators useful to estimate where you stand. If you’re significantly below this range, it might be a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying issues that might be affecting your weight. Unexplained weight gain can sometimes be linked to medical conditions such as thyroid problems or metabolic issues, so if weight gain is surprisingly resistant to these lifestyle changes, a professional assessment can be helpful.

Keep in mind that these tips are a general guide—personalized advice from a healthcare provider considering your specific health needs would be more precise. It’s often about trial and error to see what works best for your body type and lifestyle, but consistency is key in seeing long-term results.

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