Underweight
Strange as it may sound being underweight is a bad as being overweight. There are some naturally skinny people who can eat what they want and not put on weight but there are several reasons why they are able to do so.
One reason is that they consume the right amount of calories for their needs. They are maintaining an equal energy balance in that what they consume is perfectly balanced with what they expend. So their weight stays the same.
Genetics will also play a part: if their parents are slim then there is a good chance that they will be the same. They will have inherited the same body shape which means that they will find it easier to maintain a healthy weight.
The type of food that they eat: this type of person may eat healthily and so not put on any weight. They may be physically active as well.
It is easy to think that someone who is skinny is that way because they have a fast metabolism or eat very little but it is likely to be the case that they eat like a horse!
Problems arise when someone is underweight to the extent that it affects their health. If you are very underweight then you could experience some or all of the following:
- Menstrual irregularities (women)
- Weakened bones (especially problematic for women)
- Weakened immune system
- Fine, downy hair grows on the body
- Feeling cold all the time
- Risk of anaemia
- Low blood pressure
Conditions such as anorexia or bulimia can cause someone to be classed as underweight.
Exercising to an extreme degree combined with a reduced calorie intake can also lead to being underweight.
If you are underweight but have been advised to gain extra weight for health reasons then you will need to consume more calories than you burn. This means consuming an extra 300 to 350 calories a day, combined with some toning exercises. Weight training is an ideal way of toning the muscles and will also cause you to gain weight. But, this weight will be ‘muscle weight’ and not an increase in body fat.
Muscle weighs more than fat so you will notice that your weight has increased but you will look toned and fit rather than skinny and unhealthy.
In regard to how much more to eat one way of doing so is to have an extra slice of toast at breakfast or a larger serving of rice or pasta at dinner. Aim to increase your weight by 2 lbs a month which is a sensible way of doing so.