Is it a good idea to run while trying to gain?

CSARdiver

angierosas43 wrote: »

Hey everyone im new here but have been tracking by keeping a food diary for a while let me explain..im currently VERY underweight. About 73 pounds with a height of 5'0(19 years old by the way) and before anyone says to talk to my doctor or a dietitian. Well..long story short.. I had WAY too many problems with my doctor that i had to discontinue going with him and currently in on a long waiting list for a new doctor I was recommended. I also can't afford a dietitian or nutritionist right now either so I'm hoping in the meantime to atleast get a few general suggestions/opinions on my situation and how to go about it. I lost weight due to being ill for almost a month and my appetite was non-existent so it was very hard to eat, I hate force feeding myself if I'm not hungry. Now I feel alot better but now I have the problem of being underweight, I want to gain some weight but since I'm also a long distance runner I want to be able to run as well. Would that be a good idea considering the weight I'm at? I mean, I wouldn't be burning alot of calories on my runs anyway since I'm very underweight so should I continue running and just increase my intake slowly but surely? I appreciate any and all suggestions or opinions thanks again


Forgot to add I run about an hour(sometimes less) to 1 hour and a half 5 days a week. Just for a better idea on how much I run

OP - speaking as a medical scientist there's a prioritization of care. Your immediate priority is gaining weight, so use MFP to offset any loss from activity to adjust. I would not run at this point until you get your weight up to a healthy level.

Note I can only base this off of the information provided. I highly recommend you find a medical professional to give you a checkup and a treatment plan. Loads of free clinics out there and plenty of primary care providers doing pro bono work.