Opposite Problem Compared to Many

orca1983

Hello, guys. Can someone give me advice? Okay, I am 5’0” and currently weight 90 pounds. I lost nearly 30 pounds, but that puts my BMI at about 17.7. FYI, there has been steps taken to ban models with a BMI of less than 18. The bare minimum BMI should be 18.5 (many doctors actually prefer 19 or even 20), which is at least 95 pounds for me. I never suspected that gaining weight would be so psychologically difficult/odd, but I’ve been told by my doctor that I need to get closer to 100 (more of a 19 BMI). I do NOT want to lose anymore, but it’s hard (especially for a female) to actually want to gain weight when we’re inundated with pictures of skinny models, etc. Logically, though, I literally have nothing to go on if I get ill. In fact, I did get the flu back in February and dropped down to 86 pounds. That’s just not good. No, I am NOT anorexic. I eat, but I am very active in sports and burn a lot of calories (which I do account for). Perhaps I'm burning more than I realize, though. I set the My Fitness Pal app with a goal of actually gaining weight (until I get to at least 98 pounds again) and am adhering to it. The whole concept of gaining is rather odd, though; but I'll get there :-). I also have to make sure they’re healthy calories, and not junk.

invictus8

BMI is a crap measure -- it's barely useful for entire populations, let alone for individuals. I'd focus on body fat percentage. What is it? And then I'd focus on increasing lean body mass through a modest caloric surplus and weight training.

DaniKenmir

My partners friend has the same problem, they're in the army and he had to be put on double rations in afganistan and heaps of protein powder, nothing worked for him, his doc said he's fine but he finds it really frustrating, if he finds something that works for him I'll let you know

jetscreaminagain

Good for you taking this seriously. I wouldn't be surprised if you hear from people with an eating disordered mentality. I hope that that doesn't deter you at all.

You aren't specific about what you do to be active or how much you eat or if you have previously struggled with an eating disorder or how involved your doctor is in managing your weight problem. Any of those could make what I'm about to say moot.

Eat more. Lift weights. Consider looking into programs used by body builders to put on muscle. You are female so do not think that you'll all of a sudden be gigantic with roid-y pecs or anything. You, with a lot of work, may build a few pounds of muscle and build a beautiful, toned, feminine shape. Such a program would probably have you eating more than your TDEE (total daily energy expenditure) by maybe 15 to 20%. It would suggest a gram of protein for every pound of lean body mass, probably, and a gram of fat for every 3 pounds of body weight. If you are really think with not enough body fat, dietary fat will be very important for your health as fat is what your brain, your cell membranes, and important parts of your nerves are made of. Also your body needs fat for all the hormone production it must do. The rest of your calories are yours to fill in with what you want. Perhaps your doctor has concerns about micro nutrients like calcium, D, iron or B vitamins? Keep that in mind too.

Bathe yourself in positive messages about your body and what it can do. Recognize that it has always been there for you, and treat it with gratitude. I know that sounds granola and silly, but I bet it makes a difference.

Good luck.