Gain Weight: Healthy Weight Gain

Gain Weight: Healthy Weight Gain

There are many reasons why people want to gain weight.  Some people want to gain weight because they are dissatisfied with their body image while other people want to gain weight for health reasons.  Before you begin any weight gain program it is important that you understand how weight gain and weight loss works.  Your family history will play a big part in the type of body build that you have.  We all inherit genes from our parents that have a role in determining just what body type we will have.  If you eat a high calorie diet but still seem to have difficulty gaining weight just take a look at other members in your family.  Chances are you aren’t the only one who is under weight.

You can, to some extent, change the way your body looks through a change in your diet as well as by adding weight training to your daily routine.  However, even when you lift weights and change your diet you can never turn your body into that of a linebacker if your natural body type is that of a marathon runner.  If you are trying to gain weight after you have had surgery or been ill it will much easier for you to gain weight than it is for someone who has a naturally thin body type.

If you want to gain weight there are several things that you can do that are safe and healthy.  Try to eat larger portions of food several times a day.  Also, try to eat foods that have a high calorie count.  You can increase your appetite by doing some mild exercise.  Exercise will also help you to gain muscle mass instead of fat.  The following guidelines will help you gain weight, or regain weight.  Keep in mind that weight gain results are different for each individual and should be undertaken with the help of a dietitian or a doctor. 

Start by eating about 500 more calories each day than you normally do.  If you have a lot of weight that you want to gain you should gradually increase your calorie consumption from 500 calories to 1000.  Try to eat snacks during the day so that the calories are dispersed over a period of time.  When given the choice, choose the higher calorie food option.  When you are eating meals, try to eater larger portions.  This might be difficult for people who have a poor appetite.  If this is the case, try to eat high calorie meals several times a day.

With time and patience, and by eating balanced meals that are high in calories, you should notice that you are gaining weight.  If you find no difference in your weight you might want to talk to your doctor to see if there are any medical reasons why you are unable to gain weight.