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Weight Gain

Being underweight never elicits much sympathy from the rest of the world. People feel at liberty to criticise your svelt-like figure in a way they wouldn't dream of doing to an overweight person. Such is the cross the underweight have to bear.

Health problems associated with underweight

As there are relatively few people who are underweight the health problems associated with being too thin are generally not reported. However, these include:

  • Infertility
  • Osteoporosis
  • Amennorhoea
  • Mortality (1)
  • Fractures
  • Poor circulation
  • Coldness
  • Malnutrition
  • Depression

Possible underlying causes

It is important to get to the route cause whenever there is an imbalance in the body. The following may all contribute to being underweight:

  • Eating disorders
  • Stress
  • Not eating enough
  • Excessive physical activity
  • Genetics
  • Diabetes
  • Overactive thyroid
  • Insufficient digestive juices
  • Parasites or worms
  • Food intolerances
  • Celiac disease
  • Depression
  • Drug abuse
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Diarrhoea
  • Other serious health conditions

It is important to get checked out by your GP in case any of the above need addressing.

Is a high fat, high sugar diet the answer?

In short, no! The body needs natural foods in order to be healthy regardless of your weight. Just like everyone else you should avoid sugar, refined carbohydrates, processed foods, alcohol, caffeine, table salt and additives.

So what to eat?

Firstly, it is important that you eat a sufficient amount. This is to ensure you take in sufficient calories and nutrients needed for health. Foods to include:

  • Whole grains: oats, quinoa, millet, buckwheat, brown rice, rye.
  • Pulses: chickpeas, aduki beans, mung beans, butter beans, haricot beans, lentils.
  • Unsalted nuts: cashews, Brazils, hazelnuts, almonds, pecans, walnuts, pistachios.
  • Seeds and oils of: hemp, sunflower, pumpkin, sesame and flax.
  • Fruit
  • Vegetables
  • Animal products if you're not vegetarian: fish, unprocessed meats and eggs.
  • 2 litres of water (which half could include herbal teas) a day.

Small, regular meals, and snacks can improve absorption of nutrients.

Healthy snacks need to become a habit. Some ideas include:

                • Avocadoes
                • Fresh or dried fruit
                • Nuts and seeds
                • Oat cakes with nut butters
                • Vegetable crudités with dips
                • Olives
                • Fruit and nut bar

Fresh air, daylight and exercise are important but don't overdo it. Excessive exercise has a negative effect on those who are underweight. Relaxation techniques are helpful where stress is an issue; meditation, tai chi, and breathing exercises are all tried and tested methods of reducing stress.

References

Wyshak G. Underweight, smoking, exercise and mortality in women. J Nutr Health Ageing 2007 Jan-Feb;11(1):65-8

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This information and research which is intended to be reliable, but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All material in this article is provided for information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this newsletter / website. Readers should consult their doctor and other qualified health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being. The information and opinions provided in this newsletter/website are believed to be accurate and sound, based on the best judgment available to the authors. Readers who fail to consult with appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries. The publisher is not responsible for any errors or omissions.
OK in Health is not responsible for the information in these articles and for any content included on this article is intended as a guide only and should not be used as an to seeking professional advice from either your doctor or a registered specialist for yourself or anyone else.

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IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER -
This information and research which is intended to be reliable, but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All material in this article is provided for information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this newsletter/website. Readers should consult their doctor and other qualified health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being. The information and opinions provided in this newsletter/website are believed to be accurate and sound, based on the best judgment available to the authors. Readers who fail to consult with appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries. The publisher is not responsible for any errors or omissions. OK in Health is not responsible for the information in these articles and for any content included on this article is intended as a guide only and should not be used as an to seeking professional advice from either your doctor or a registered specialist for yourself or anyone else.