I have a problem gaining weight.

SupraMan · 03-31-2007, 01:28 AM

I'm a 22 years old and 5'7 and I only weigh 120lbs. As a baby and child I was chubby and normal but as I grew up I got thinner and thinner. I don't know if its if I don't eat enough or if not enough sleep is the main factors.
People tell me its fairly simple to gain weight = eat everything in sight. Well I know its true but sometimes I can eat a lot while other times I can't. I rarely eat breakfast.

I don't know if its genetics or not or could I have a small stomach. I've also heard that eating could be affected by your throat. Could throat problems affect swallowing because I came across info on speech therapy/pathologyand it states swallowing could be affected.

For a girl to be skinny is ok but for a guy especially my age and height, its pretty bad for your self-esteem. I have a high esteem for myself in everything else except this. And thats only half the issue, I'm concerned this isn't normal either.

I went to my doctor and she said even though I'm underweight a little its still normal. In my head i'm not underweight a little, im underweight A LOT. Seems like she wasn't helpful at all.

Does anyone know of any medication or herbal medication that could increase my appetite?

Leonhart · 03-31-2007, 01:32 AM

Your stomach is an elastic organ. The more you eat, the more it will expand and the more your appetite will increase. Of course, if you've got really quick metabolism, don't expect to gain a lot of weight. How are your parents? What are their builds like? That should offer a clue as to what you can expect.

Have you been checked for thyroid problems? That could be it, also. Working out can pack on muscle, too.

Otherwise, I'm not sure what to tell you. Don't complain. Would you rather be 6'2" and 145 lbs. instead?

I didn't think so. lol

SupraMan · 03-31-2007, 01:34 AM

My dad is thin (but normal not underweight like me). My mom is normal weight, she is kinda chubby. I have a sister shes 24 yrs old and shes skinny too but then again shes a girl so probably not a big deal.

Leonhart · 03-31-2007, 01:41 AM

You're not underweight, but close. (BMI = 18.8.) You and your sister probably got your dad's genetics there.

It's a big deal because you are making it into such for yourself.

Do you work out with weights? How much (and what exactly) do you eat in a normal day? Why don't you eat breakfast?

melly11 · 03-31-2007, 03:22 AM

Hey,
I wouldn't worry too much. I too am underweight. I'm 5'6 and about 105-107 on a good day. I eat crazy amounts the doctor just said this is how I am. I even started taking whey protein supplements and it helped me gain to where I am now... some people are just naturally thin. I hate it.

saucyminx · 03-31-2007, 06:20 AM

If there is any sort of medical issue or problem at all, it would be your thyroid. A simple blood test will tell you. Or ask your mother if there are thyroid problems in the family.

Also, you are only 22. Example. My father was skin and bones until he was around 28-30. Now, different story. He is built like a brick sh&t house, although not overweight. Our bodies don't all change at a certain age. Give it time.

03-31-2007, 01:28 AM	#1
SupraMan Offline Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 2	I have a problem gaining weight. I'm a 22 years old and 5'7 and I only weigh 120lbs. As a baby and child I was chubby and normal but as I grew up I got thinner and thinner. I don't know if its if I don't eat enough or if not enough sleep is the main factors. People tell me its fairly simple to gain weight = eat everything in sight. Well I know its true but sometimes I can eat a lot while other times I can't. I rarely eat breakfast. I don't know if its genetics or not or could I have a small stomach. I've also heard that eating could be affected by your throat. Could throat problems affect swallowing because I came across info on speech therapy/pathologyand it states swallowing could be affected. For a girl to be skinny is ok but for a guy especially my age and height, its pretty bad for your self-esteem. I have a high esteem for myself in everything else except this. And thats only half the issue, I'm concerned this isn't normal either. I went to my doctor and she said even though I'm underweight a little its still normal. In my head i'm not underweight a little, im underweight A LOT. Seems like she wasn't helpful at all. Does anyone know of any medication or herbal medication that could increase my appetite?

03-31-2007, 01:32 AM	#2
Leonhart Offline Join Date: Feb 2007 Gender: None Specified Posts: 2,411	Your stomach is an elastic organ. The more you eat, the more it will expand and the more your appetite will increase. Of course, if you've got really quick metabolism, don't expect to gain a lot of weight. How are your parents? What are their builds like? That should offer a clue as to what you can expect. Have you been checked for thyroid problems? That could be it, also. Working out can pack on muscle, too. Otherwise, I'm not sure what to tell you. Don't complain. Would you rather be 6'2" and 145 lbs. instead? I didn't think so. lol

03-31-2007, 01:34 AM	#3
SupraMan Offline Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 2	My dad is thin (but normal not underweight like me). My mom is normal weight, she is kinda chubby. I have a sister shes 24 yrs old and shes skinny too but then again shes a girl so probably not a big deal.

03-31-2007, 01:41 AM	#4
Leonhart Offline Join Date: Feb 2007 Gender: None Specified Posts: 2,411	You're not underweight, but close. (BMI = 18.8.) You and your sister probably got your dad's genetics there. It's a big deal because you are making it into such for yourself. Do you work out with weights? How much (and what exactly) do you eat in a normal day? Why don't you eat breakfast?

03-31-2007, 03:22 AM	#5
melly11 Offline Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 47	Hey, I wouldn't worry too much. I too am underweight. I'm 5'6 and about 105-107 on a good day. I eat crazy amounts the doctor just said this is how I am. I even started taking whey protein supplements and it helped me gain to where I am now... some people are just naturally thin. I hate it.

03-31-2007, 06:20 AM	#6
saucyminx Offline Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Gender: Female Age: 33 Posts: 24	If there is any sort of medical issue or problem at all, it would be your thyroid. A simple blood test will tell you. Or ask your mother if there are thyroid problems in the family. Also, you are only 22. Example. My father was skin and bones until he was around 28-30. Now, different story. He is built like a brick sh&t house, although not overweight. Our bodies don't all change at a certain age. Give it time.