Trying To Gain Weight

[Guest Jo-I-Dunno]

So I'm pretty skinny. 6'0'' and 155lbs. I've been this way since I was 15. I have a very boyish skeleton and it makes me a very rigid, strange looking person.

The main problem is I'm a really picky eater and just go hungry if nothing I have seems appetizing. And even when I am hungry and have a craving, it doesn't last long. I eat a little and just feel like I have to stop. I've tried weight-gain shakes, but when I drink them I don't want to eat anything for a while and probably end up with less calories/nutrients.

So... how do I get past my low appetite and just eat? Is there a trick no one ever taught me, 'cause everyone else seems to have the opposite problem.

I've been on HRT for about 10 months now, so I'm hoping if I gain weight, it'll go to the right places.

[Guest Audrey Elizabeth]

I could be wrong about how old I think you might be but I think you just need to wait a while to age. When I was young I was like you but then right as I was getting ready to hit 30 I started gaining weight. Then from that point you just spend the rest of your life trying to lose weight.

Audrey

[Guest Blindheart]

i have a similar "problem" I am 6'4" and weighed around 155 for years. I only ate 1 good meal a day for the better part of 10 years, with random snacking the rest of time. After i got on HRT I tried to eat more so my body would have fuel for the changes, but my weight never changed. then i stopped HRT for awhile and suddenly I gained like 20 lbs. got on scale one day and i was around 170s. SHOCKING, got sad and tried to starve myself back down to 150 but that never worked out. i am back on HRT now and my weight is currently 163. I dont really want to gain more weight, but i am happy to do it until i "fill out" then i can diet again. But like you, i cant seem to gain any when i try. would love to see a helpful answer lol

[Guest Cyndi]

Hi Jo,

You're right, I'd definitely love to have your "problem!" I'd say the best way to put on some weight, not sure how much you really need to put on, is to add more protein to your diet. I know you said you'd tried the shakes, but if you try drinking one immediately prior to bed, the calories will stick with you and there's less chance your high metabolism will burn them off through the day. Just be healthy with your weight goals and include exercise to distribute your new weight properly, don't try and gain just to gain, not sure you'd be pleased with the results...

Good luck!

Cyndi

[Guest Jo-I-Dunno]

Hi Jo,

You're right, I'd definitely love to have your "problem!" I'd say the best way to put on some weight, not sure how much you really need to put on, is to add more protein to your diet. I know you said you'd tried the shakes, but if you try drinking one immediately prior to bed, the calories will stick with you and there's less chance your high metabolism will burn them off through the day. Just be healthy with your weight goals and include exercise to distribute your new weight properly, don't try and gain just to gain, not sure you'd be pleased with the results...

Good luck!

Cyndi

Thanks. The shake before bed sounds like good advice. I can down one of those even when I'm not hungry, and doing it at the end of the day should stop it from interrupting any meals...

And don't worry, I'm not about to load up on McDonald's just to gain weight. I know there's a difference between gaining weight and clogging my arteries. I just want to... soften out a little so my body shape isn't solely dictated by my skeleton.

I'm 19 by the way.

[Guest Cyndi]

Best of luck, I'm sure you'll be able to add a few healthy pounds to your frame. If I could lend you some of mine, I'd gladly offer!

Cyndi

[Guest Puppy Girl]

I feel your pain, actually. I had the same problem for years. I'm not a doctor, but I'm wondering if you may want to talk to one- like a GP or something. Having that low an appetite probably isn't healthy?

I was on a medication for three years that completely sapped my appetite- I could barely get anything down, and got unhealthily underweight. I had to get off of it even though it's the only good medication for my illness because I just got sick of not wanting to eat and feeling so skinny. I got off of it and gained 20 lbs, and I feel healthier than I ever have (well, weight-wise- now my illness is kicking my butt instead). Are you on any prescription drugs that might have it as a side effect? Or do you have a condition that might be messing with your appetite, like depression or anxiety? I know some antidepressants have increased appetite as a side effect; mine does, so if you have depression or anxiety that's untreated, starting one might help you in multiple ways. Either way, I'd suggest going to a doctor if you can.

Good luck with it. Feeling underweight sucks. I hope you can find a solution.

-Puppy Girl

[Guest Robin Winter]

I could be wrong about how old I think you might be but I think you just need to wait a while to age. When I was young I was like you but then right as I was getting ready to hit 30 I started gaining weight. Then from that point you just spend the rest of your life trying to lose weight.

Audrey

AMEN!!! No wonder people are terrified of 30!

[Guest Miss_Construe]

Your under weight. Start by finding a good brand of vitamins. Next make sure you eat some healthy foods. Calcium and associated minerals are necessary when on HRT and help breast development.

Make sure you are not depressed or are not developing an eating disorder. You sound like your where I'm at (in a way) and I doubt that having more protein would negatively impact your body. Give yourself some breathing room as far as developing your body and the hormones should do their work well. Just get plenty of sleep.

I hope that helps,

Jaime

[Guest AlyTheGreatAngel]

Hmmmm what are ur measurements at your current weight? Maybe I can help u im really good at this stuff:)

[Guest Kelly-087]

You mentioned you're a picky eater.

Seeing as I have the reverse of your problem, here's a few things I've noticed that ruins a diet: Frappucinos, Coffee Cakes, Milk Shakes, Soda, pizza, anything from any fast food restaurant.

In other words, try eating anything most of us can't eat..

Also the comments on seeing a doctor are probably right. You seem like you probably could have an issue with appetite brought on by another condition (hyperthyroidism is one that comes to mind)

[Guest again]

yes, as suggested please have some blood work done by a doctor---you could have thyroid issues or some other problem. at least if you know that it's not a medical issue you can take it from there. if you want to gain weight, please do it in a healthy way. think of it as every cell in your body is made up of what you put in your mouth, so you don't want garbage going in there. you may just have a high metabolism and it's true that when you are younger it can be difficult to gain weight.

i am in canada, so i'll give you advice from the canada food guide for your age group: eat a balanced diet with lots of whole grains (7 to 8 servings a day); lots of fresh fruits and vegetables (6 to 7 servings a day); milk or alternatives (3 servings a day) and meat or alternatives (3 servings a day). eat HEALTHY fats (nuts are great if you don't have allergies) as are avocados (very healthy & delicious if you like guacamole type dishes) & vegetable oils/especially olive, canola and sesame oils. good luck:)