Expert: Joanne - 6/27/2008

Question
Hi Joanne

I've been wondering for a while if I am anorexia or not because I don't seem to gain weight at all.

Am 17 years old, 5"10 and weight 54.5 kg. Is that normal? or underweight?

If you could please could you tell me any tips on gaining weight, just recently I found out I should be taking at least 3000 Calories a day is there anything I can do about this?

Thanks in advance

Daniel

Answer
Daniel

Anorexia is more than just being too thin or underweight.  It is about the thoughts and feelings that go along with it.  Do you purposefully try to keep your weight low, or at any point attempted to lose weight by drastically reducing calorie intake?

You are more likely to have a body that struggles to gain weight.  I would recommend making sure that you are taking in enough calories on a daily basis, and possibly try to increase them where possible.  Add cream or cheese to meals, add in a few extra snacks (nuts are a good snack).  Just be careful not to add too much 'junk' food as you don't want the weight gain to be fat.

Meanwhile, try to do some weight resistance exercise.  Building muscle should increase your weight, and make sure that your weight gain is muscle and not fat.

It may also be an idea to visit your Dr and have them run a few tests to make sure that there isn't a reason for your struggle to gain weight.

Joanne