DIET FOR AN UNDERWEIGHT PERSON

 Introduction

Just as there are several reason for being overweight, there are many reason for being underweight. Very active, tense, nervous and people who obtain too little rest lose weight. Irregular eating habits and poor selection of food are also responsible for an inadequate calorie intake.

Psychological factors which may cause a person to overeat may also cause him to eat less. Anorexia nervosa is a condition of severe weight loss due to some mental illness due to which person refuses food.

Weight loss may occur in severe infection, high fever, gastrointestinal disturbance and hyperthyroidism.

Dietary Modification

The cause of loss weight must first be removed and a high calorie diet may be given.

1. Energy

About 500 calories a day will help to gain about one pound a week. Moderately active individual may be given 2500-3000 calories diet for effective weight gain.

2. Protein

About 1-1.2 g of the ideal body weight should be given. This may mean a daily intake of 60-80 gm of protein.

3. Minerals and Vitamins

A well-planned, high-calorie diet will provide liberal amount of vitamins and minerals. In such cases supplements may not be required.

4. Exercise

Just as exercise is essential for an effective weight reduction program it is equally vital for an effective weight gain program. Its benefits those whom are underweight by stimulating their appetite to improve the intake of calories. It also helps in improving muscle tone especially of the digestive system, resulting in better absorption and assimilation of the food, which helps tremendously in weight gain. Exercise helps to increase lean weight and also increase strength and endurance.

Simple Rules To Maintain Health

1. An underweight patient cannot initially adjust to a higher calorie intake. Hence, it is sensible to begin with his present diet modify it in quantity and quality until the desired calorie level is reached.

2. Meal times should be as attractive and pleasant as possible.

3. Small but frequent meals should be taken. At least six small meals are advised. Mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack, in addition to the regular meals, do not give better results. Instead they interfere and decrease appetite for the next meals. And also bedtime snacks are more helpful.

4. No food should be forced for eating. Whatever food is appreciated at whatever time of the day by the underweight patient, should be eaten. 

5. No topics about food and their importance should be discussed during meal times, especially if it is undesirable for the person concerned.

Conclusion

From above blog we conclude that it is necessary to make special effort for such person to put on weight until the desirable weight is attained. Lean weight should increase along with an increase in strength, vigor and endurance.