Expert: Samathlee Colon, CNA - 9/28/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I'm 16 years old and when I started seeing my nutritionist almost 2 years ago I weighed 88lbs. Now I am 95lbs. I was wondering if there were any ways to healthily gain weight a little faster without looking like I have gained weight? (My target is 100-105lbs). I was also wondering, once my period returns, how long will it take for my body to begin functioning again and when will puberty resume? (I'm a little behind). Also, will there be any long turn damage to my reproductive system since it's been shut down for 2 years? Please take your time to answer my questions and thank you very much!

ANSWER: What is your diet like now? When is the last time you had a period? Have you gotten it at all? It is common for everything to come back much slower and at first irregular. By seeing your doctor he can put you on some birth control to help regulate your periods. Also you need to start taking your vitamins, veggies and fruits. But otherwise please answer the above questions and we can go from there. THANKS

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: My current diet is fairly healthy. My nutritionist and I have discussed adding certain foods like Twinkies and ice cream into my everyday eating habits (which I have done)and she is happy with the amount of nutritious veggies I eat. The last time I consistently had a period was about 2 years ago but I did recieve one last May. At that point my body fat was about 22% and it is now at about 20%. Thank you for responding to my first quetion and I look forward to your next response.

Answer
To answer your question- YES you can definutly gain appropriate weight - without looking over wieght. Now as far as looking like you have gained some - you just might - because you most likely look alot healthier- rather then sickly thin. Yes some fattening things are great ideas- as long as you are taking appropriate vitamins, veggies, and fruits... So twinkies, ice cream, cake, WHOLE milk, steaks, etc. You need to be consuming atleast 5 meals a day. Breakfast have a full bowl of cereal - with whole milk, some wheat toast and fruit. Snacks a good protien bar, or fiber bar, cereal bar will work. Lunch a good sandwhich - grilled chicken sub- some chips and a drink. snack again maybe have that twinkie at this time - or some icecream and then dinner - some chicken / steak - rice and veggies - maybe a small starter salad with dressing. This is just an idea of what you can eat. As you are gaining your weight please understand you will need to get use to it - and you MAY feel overwieght at first - but this is very necessary! And as you hit your weight goals - you will then deduct / or / replace those fattening twinkies and ice creasms for better choices. :)  I Hope this helps!