How to GAIN weight?

[pumpa]

Hi, I notice there are threads on how to lose weight but none on how to gain it (unless I've missed them)

I've been through a phase of really bad depression and have gone down to 7 stone 12 (hardly ate for 3/4 months) but in the last 3 weeks I have been eating 3 meals a day, fatty stuff too and carbohydrates ('cos I'm not keen on healthy stuff lol) So I was expecting to have at least put half a stone on, but I just weighed myself and I am still 7 stone 12!
I'm a bit worried-I've gone from eating practically nothing to eating more than my mates (who eat a lot) but no weight gain. I have had hormone and thyroid tests before and these came back negative.
My family is genetically very thin and tall, and me and my mom have always been 'underweight' on the bmi index but that is normal for my family. Before I got bad I was always 8.5 stone which was normal for me and I want to get back to at least that, maybe 9 stone. Even when I ate properly when I was younger I could never put weight on and my legs are horrendously skinny even though I walk everywhere I just can't put fat or muscle on.
I am 5 foot 11 and female. Can I buy something from holland and barrett for weight gain? I have been eating loads of potatoes, pasta, cheese etc but it isn't working!

[angel81uk]

It might sound a little strange, but I'd offer the same advice I would offer someone trying to lose weight. Eat a healthy, balanced diet and do some moderate exercise! Just as it's not a good idea to lose weight too quickly I'm sure it can't be healthy to gain it too quickly either. It sounds as though you've already been to see a doctor and they've checked you out so I'm guessing you're reasonably healthy. If that's the case then just stick to 3 square meals a day!

As you've already discovered, the BMI index isn't much use when you're naturally "under weight"so ignore it and stop weighing yourself too. You'll just end up causing yourself more stress and worry because you're not meeting your "targets" which could lead to further depression and stop you putting the weight on. By eating the balanced diet you'll reach your natural weight again before too long and you'll remain fit and healthy which has to be the best outcome anyone could hope for.

I know what it's like though, not too long ago I weighed 7 stone 6. Mainly due to the fact that I switched to a vegetarian diet as my OH is veggie and I didn't want to be cooking 2 different meals each night. But I found out I was eating all the wrong things, and by doing a bit of research I started eating good, balanced meals and the weight started to go back on. I'm now back to my normal 8 stone 2, which although it is underweight according to the BMI index it's a healthy, stable and natural weight for me.

However having said all that, if you are having health issues due to the weight loss (if your periods have stopped, if you're suffering with fatigue etc) then you need proper medical advice and should see your doctor again.

[Ted_Hutchinson]

Eating Strategies to Gain Weight (http://www.snac.ucla.edu/pages/Resources/Handouts/HOWtGain.pdf) this looks to be fairly sensible advice.

The World's Healthiest Foods (http://whfoods.org/) has some good advice on healthy eating. Eating nutrient dense healthy food must be better than eating junk food. Providing you are consuming an adequate intake of nutritious food I think buying supplements for weight gain would be a waste of money.

It was too much alcohol too often that was the cause of my weight gain but I really do not think it's a good idea to drink more than recommended. BBC - Health - Healthy living - Alcohol (http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/healthy_living/nutrition/drinks_alcohol.shtml)
It is worth noting though that those who drink a regular light/moderate amount of red wine- no more than one or two glasses daily- suffer less memory decline and Alzhiemer's than those that don't drink at all.

This Basal Metabolic Rate Calculator (http://health.discovery.com/tools/calculators/basal/basal.html) will return how many calories you need each day for basic metabolic function, before any movement or physicial activity. This is the minimum calories to target eating each day and it allows a +/- 5% range, so if you miss by 5% one day that's OK; if you're over now and then by 5%, that's OK too. Recalculate BMR with every 20-pounds of weight loss.

In your case you would need to eat, in order to gain one pound a week, at least 500 calories daily above the number the calculator says is necessary for basal metabolism.

[jeannieblue]

I used to make Twiggy look fat years ago! I ate everything and never put on an ounce. Its mainly genetic. Now some ....... years later, I'm still not big but would love the flat stomach back and small bottom too!

If you're stressing about it, that won't help. Try and relax (easier said than done I know!) Love yourself for who you are and try and think how lucky you are, one day your metabolism may change and the pounds may rush on but if they don't, does it really matter?

I visualise you as a lovely leggy young lady - be proud and be happy. It seems that us women (and some men!) are never ever happy with what shape we are!

By the way, I tried to put on weight, it just didn't happen, this was me at the end of the day, and it wasn't until I was in my late twenties, after having babies, the weight came on, but not on the places that I wanted!

Its taken me a long while to accept that I am me and me is nice! Regardless of what shape I am.....

[pumpa]

thanks all. I was just worried as I went from eating nothing to eating at least 3 meals a day and haven't put any weight on, it just seems wierd!

I do drink a lot of beer actually, I would have thought that would have helped get a belly but no lol!

I DO look leggy, but in an anorexic way, I've been told I look like I've just come out of a concentration camp (and I do, I admit it myself, I look horrendously thin) my boobs have totally gone but that's also because I had a kid 6 years ago..but with this weight loss omg I have none left, it's quite upsetting. I used to be a 34c/d but now I don't even think I am an a cup, even when I was at 10 stone after I had my son they were none existant..is it possible to get boobs back once they've gone (apart from going on the pill) :(
I just feel rotten and it's not because I am vain. I was bullied horribly from 7-15 years because everyone 'decided' I was anorexic (I wasn't) and I tried everything to put weight on, I still had horrible skinny legs but at least I had boobs, now I have none and I am COVERED in 3 inch long bright red stretchmarks. I don't care what other people think about what I look like, it's ME who is bothered by it, my mom who is 47 has better boobs and no stretchmarks and I feel totally repulsed by the state of me!

[custardy]

if you eat a healthy diet in healthy portions then your body will find its own balance.
give your body time as it doesnt react as quickly as your mind.
dont try and bulk up with fatty foods!!!
if you want to add to your meals then perhaps try the likes of slimfast shakes but as a meal addition rather than subsitute :)

wish i had trouble putting weight on :o

[pumpa]

..and where was my bloody post this morning!!!:rotfl:

[custardy]

..and where was my bloody post this morning!!!:rotfl:

im on holiday :p

[Penny-Pincher!!]

Hi

Back in October was I admitted to the hospital and tube fed as I couldnt eat and my weight dropped to just over 8 stone-Im 5 foot 10. My weight has now increased to a healthy BMI.

I am still having Fortisip Protein drinks daily (3 daily at 300 cals each) on top of my food and they were perscribed by my GP. Might be worth asking him/her if you could something like that. I like the Mocha and Choccie one:D

Beer is false weight and will just bloat you. You need to gain weight all over and at a slowish pace.

PP
xx

[jeannieblue]

Worry and stress will keep your weight down!

I think you need lots of hugs and reassurance, an acceptance of being you who happens to be such a lovely warm person. I don't like what I see in the mirror, so I look as little as possible!

Throw away the scales, and go out and about 'acting' positive, attractive, happy - after awhile, the 'acting' will be less necessary and it will be how you really feel - and contentment itself will put the weight on.