What if you can't gain weight?

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

This is influenced by a variety of factors - we analyze each one.

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I want to gain weight, but it doesn't work out mentally or psychologically - because of the breakup of my parents, stress at work. How can I do it?

Anonymously

Hello! Weight loss and difficulty gaining weight can be due to both medical and non-medical problems, and sometimes a combination of both. In any case, this is a signal that requires immediate attention.

Modern studies Genes, Behavior, and the Social Environment, Research advances in metabolism, Risk Factors for Eating Disorders indicate that various factors influence weight gain: genetic, biological, behavioral (including dietary habits). Difficulty with appetite, weight gain, or eating difficulties may be at the root of the problem.

What are the reasons for being underweight

Physiological

1. Development of serious diseases

Sometimes weight loss can be associated with, for example, Addison's disease Addison's disease is a rare endocrine disorder that causes the adrenal glands to lose their ability to produce enough hormones., oncological diseases, disorders of digestion, smell and / or taste, type I diabetes, hyperthyroidism, HIV.

2. Loss of muscle mass

This happens if you don't use your muscles as a result of injury, stroke, burns, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or nerve damage.

3. Disorders of the endocrine system

Often weight loss and the inability to return to healthy levels are due to an imbalance of such hormones: insulin (regulates glucose levels, affects hunger), leptin (responsible for appetite and satiety), ghrelin (responsible for hunger signals), cortisol (increases appetite during time of stress), adrenaline (speeds up the metabolism in response to emotional arousal), estrogen (responsible for the deposition of adipose tissue) and thyroxine (speeds up the metabolism).

5. Features of genetics

It is important to consider the genetic predisposition to high or low weight. Now they distinguish Genetic and epigenetic aspects of obesity and metabolic syndrome, the possibilities of prevention in childhood, Genetic and Environmental Contributions to Weight, Height, and BMI from Birth to 19 Years of Age: An International Study of Over 12, 000 Twin Pairs over 600 genes, capable of affecting weight.

Mental

1. Mood disorders

For example, mood disorders such as depression and anxiety disorder.

2. Eating disorders

Eating disorders, or EDI, are deadly and difficult to treat. For RNP (for example, anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa) are characterized by fear of weight gain, giving high importance to appearance, negative beliefs about their weight and body shape.

Behavioral

1. Features of lifestyle

For example, vegetarian or vegan diets can make it impossible to gain weight because the body does not get all the nutrients it needs. Excessive physical activity can also lead to difficulties in gaining weight.

2. Substance and alcohol abuse

It affects the metabolic function of a person. For example, when alcohol enters the body, it breaks down and disrupts the body's ability to produce nutrients, irritates the intestines, and slows down the digestion process. This can cause loss of appetite and disruption of the digestive tract. Alcohol is high in calories and in some cases can lead to weight gain, but with prolonged use it still causes weight loss.

Substance use affects appetite, physical activity and metabolism. Depending on how they work, certain groups of drugs will reduce control and lead to overeating, while others will suppress appetite, speed up metabolism and promote weight loss.

What to do to gain weight

The assistance program is built depending on the cause of the difficulties in gaining a healthy body weight. It is necessary to conduct examinations, determine the body mass index and the amount of weight loss at a certain point in time.

Whatever the reason for weight loss and difficulties in gaining weight, it signals a malfunctioning of the body and leads to poor health. Therefore, I recommend that you consult a specialist if you lose more than 5% body weight within 6-12 months and your body mass index is less than 18.5.

First of all, it is worth visiting a therapist - he will prescribe the necessary examinations and exclude a physiological disease as the cause of low body weight. Then go to an endocrinologist - he will check the work of your hormonal system.

Next, develop a nutritional plan with your dietitian and consult a clinical psychologist to diagnose your condition and plan for assistance. If you are diagnosed with an eating disorder or mood disorder, you will be referred to a psychiatrist for medication support.