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How can I gain weight as a vegetarian?
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Nutrition & Diet
Question #26111
45 days ago
108

How can I gain weight as a vegetarian? - #26111

Client_3b08be

I want to gain weight before October I’m 28 year old my name is shikha my height is 5.6 feet and my weights is 43 i want to achieve my goal that is 50kg i have do so many thing but I can’t achieve m ideal weight please help me for this nd I’m mon vegetarian

How long have you been trying to gain weight?:

- More than 6 months

What does your current diet look like?:

- Unbalanced, not sure

Do you have any health issues that might affect your weight gain?:

- No health issues
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Doctors' responses

To gain weight, especially as a vegetarian, it’s important to ensure you’re consuming more calories than you burn in a day. Start by calculating your daily caloric needs using an online calculator and aim to consume about 500-700 calories more per day to gain weight gradually and healthily. Focus on nutrient-dense foods. Incorporate healthy, high-calorie options like nuts, seeds, nut butters, avocados, and whole grains into your diet. Add them to your meals and snacks. For protein, consider legumes such as lentils, beans, chickpeas, as well as dairy products like milk, yogurt, cheese, and tofu. Eggs can also be a good option if you include them in your diet. To help increase your calorie intake, try having smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. You can include snacks between meals. Homemade smoothies, using ingredients like bananas, milk, protein powder, and nut butter, can pack a caloric punch without making you feel too full. It’s also beneficial to engage in some form of strength training exercises. This can help increase your muscle mass, contributing to weight gain in a healthy manner. Resistance training using body weights or resistance bands is practical and effective. Watch out for any potential red-flag symptoms that might indicate an underlying health condition affecting your weight, such as persistent digestive issues or fatigue. If you don’t see progress, consider consulting with a healthcare provider or a dietitian to better assess your situation and rule out any medical concerns. They could offer personalized advice based on a comprehensive evaluation of your health and dietary habits.

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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.
41 days ago
5

Hello It’s great that you’re motivated to gain weight and reach your goal of 50 kg by October. Let’s work together to create a plan that suits your vegetarian lifestyle!

### Here’s a simple plan to help you gain weight:

1. Increase Caloric Intake: - Aim for calorie-dense foods. Include nuts, seeds, avocados, and nut butters in your diet. - Add healthy oils (like olive oil or coconut oil) to your meals.

2. Balanced Meals: - Breakfast: Oats with milk, nuts, and fruits or a smoothie with banana, yogurt, and peanut butter. - Lunch: Whole grain roti with paneer, dal, and a side of vegetables. Add a serving of rice or quinoa. - Snacks: Hummus with whole grain bread, mixed nuts, or a protein bar. - Dinner: Vegetable curry with rice or pasta with a creamy sauce and veggies.

3. Frequent Meals: - Eat 5-6 smaller meals throughout the day instead of 3 large ones. This can help you consume more calories without feeling too full.

4. Protein Intake: - Include protein-rich foods like lentils, chickpeas, tofu, and dairy products. Consider protein shakes if you find it hard to meet your protein needs through food alone.

5. Stay Hydrated: - Drink fluids, but try to do it between meals rather than during meals to avoid feeling too full.

6. Strength Training: - Incorporate some strength training exercises to build muscle mass. This can help you gain weight in a healthy way.

7. Monitor Progress: - Keep track of your weight weekly and adjust your diet as needed. If you’re not seeing progress, consider increasing your portion sizes.

### Additional Tips: - Consult a nutritionist for personalized meal plans. - Be patient and consistent; healthy weight gain takes time.

Thank you

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Dr. Nirav Jain
I am a qualified medical doctor with MBBS and DNB Diploma in Family Medicine from NBEMS, and my work has always been centered on treating patients in a complete, not just symptom based way. During my DNB training I rotated through almost every core department—Internal medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Surgery, Orthopedics, ENT, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Emergency medicine. That mix gave me the skill to manage acute illness, long term disease and preventive care together, something I find very important in family practice. In psychiatry I worked closely with patients who struggled with depression, anxiety, stress related problems, insomnia or substance use. I learned not just about medication but also about simple psychotherapy tools, psycho education and how to talk openly without judgement. I still use that exp in family medicine, specially when chronic disease patients also face mental health issues. My time in General surgery included assisting in minor and major procedures, managing wounds, abscess, sutures and emergencies. While I am not a surgeon, this gave me confidence to recognize surgical cases early, provide first line care and refer fast when needed, which makes a big difference in online or OPD settings. Now I work as a consultant in General medicine and Family practice, with focus on both in-person and online consultation. I treat conditions like fever, infections, gastrointestinal complaints, respiratory illness, and also manage diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, and lifestyle related chronic diseases. I see women for PCOS, contraception counseling, menstrual health, and children for common pediatric issues. I also dedicate time to preventive health, lifestyle counseling and diet-sleep-exercise advice, since these small changes affect long term wellness more than we often realize. My key skills include holistic diagnosis, evidence based treatment, chronic disease management, mental health support, preventive medicine and telemedicine communiation. At the center of all this is one thing—patients should feel heard, safe, and guided with care that is both professional and personal.
37 days ago
5

Hello Shikha, thank you for sharing your concern. Your BMI is quite low. Your goal of reaching around 50 kg by October is realistic if you focus on increasing calorie intake and improving diet quality. Here is my advise-

1. Increase meal frequency- Instead of 2–3 large meals, try 5–6 small meals per day. This helps increase total calorie intake without feeling too full.

2. Focus on high-calorie nutritious foods- Include foods like: Milk, curd, paneer, cheese, Peanut butter, almonds, walnuts, cashews Bananas, mangoes, dates, raisins., Rice, potatoes, whole wheat roti, Soy products like tofu or soya chunks, Dal, chickpeas, rajma, lentils.

3. Add healthy calorie boosters- You can add: 1–2 teaspoons ghee or butter to meals, Peanut butter or nut spreads with bread, Banana milkshake or dry fruit shake daily.

4. Include protein regularly- Protein helps build healthy body weight. Vegetarian sources include paneer, tofu, soybeans, lentils, chickpeas, milk, yogurt, and nuts.

5. Light strength exercises- Doing body-weight exercises such as squats, push-ups, or yoga 3–4 times per week helps convert calories into muscle instead of fat.

6. If weight gain remains difficult, consider physical evaluation at your nearest hospital.

7. Start this supplement- - Tab. Multivitamin once daily × 3 months. - Also, consider a protein supplement (not very necessary, but better).

Review after 1 month.

Regards, Dr. Nirav Jain MBBS, D.Fam.Medicine

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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.
44 days ago
5

Hello

Hello

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

For appetite: Syp: Megestrol 125mg 5ml once a day

To gain weight, focus on more calories + more protein + more meal frequency.

Simple daily plan: • Morning: Milk + banana + peanut butter (or soaked almonds)

• Breakfast: 3–4 eggs or paneer + 2 chapati/bread + fruit

• Lunch: Rice or chapati + dal + sabzi + curd + ghee

• Evening snack: Banana shake / peanut chikki / nuts

• Dinner: Same as lunch + paneer /soybean

• Before bed: Warm milk

Key tips: Eat 5 meals daily, add ghee/oil to food, drink calorie shakes, and do light strength exercise 3–4×/week.

Supplements

Omega 3 fatty acid Zinc + multivitamin

Do consistently Drink plenty of water

I trust this helps 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

based on your height (5.6 ft) and weight (43 kg), you are underweight, and reaching 50 kg is a healthy and realistic goal, but weight gain requires a consistent calorie surplus and balanced nutrition rather than random eating. Since you follow a non-vegetarian diet, you can increase healthy calories with protein-rich foods like eggs, chicken, fish, paneer, milk, curd, peanut butter, nuts, rice, potatoes, bananas, and healthy fats such as ghee and seeds. Eat 5–6 small meals daily, add high-calorie snacks (smoothies, milkshakes, nuts), drink 2–3 liters of water, and start strength training or light gym exercises to build muscle instead of just fat. Conditions like Malnutrition or Hyperthyroidism can sometimes prevent weight gain, so if you still struggle, consider basic blood tests. In conclusion, with a calorie-dense balanced diet, regular meals, and strength exercise, you can safely gain about 0.5–1 kg per month and realistically reach your target weight before October.

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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.
43 days ago
5

Hello dear See weight gain depends upon both environmental factors and genetic sciences Iam suggesting some precautions Please follow them for atleast a month 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 for strength Consume butter and ghee for weight gain Replacement of sugar with jaggery Avoid refined food Do physical exercise atleast half an hour daily Avoid excessive thinking Add milk products for calcium level Hopefully improvement will occur In case of no improvement consult a dietician in person for better clarity Regards

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