really struggling with weight gain :(

alcibades
alcibades Posts: 7
in Health and Weight Loss
I know a lot of people might read this and think what have you got to complain about trying to gain not lose, but my situation is i'm currently trying to gain to a healthy weight (6 stone at the moment, BMI of about 16 and haven't had my period in almost 10 months)

Been tested medically for any other underlying causes - but docs put it down to too much weight loss (i did go on a diet over the summer) and i'm waiting to be seen by a nutritionist

I'm eating about 2000 calories a day, a big step up considering over the summer I would last on about 1000, but i'm not gaining. I really really try and eat and snack a lot - and on healthy fats, carbs, meat, the occasional chocolate bar and biscuit... Right now i'm absolutely stuffed but having an apple and peanut butter as a snack because I know I need to gain.

Why aren't I gaining, i'm really concerned about my weight and lack of period and until I get seen by a dietitian I don't know what else to do or where i'm going wrong?
I know within myself I don't have an eating disorder, so please don't accuse me of it! :(

Replies

  • alcibades
    alcibades Posts: 7
    bump
  • lvtruu1
    lvtruu1 Posts: 211 Member
    You may need to loosen up your feeling about what health eating is. Calories, for the most part are calories. In your case, you need to add some "dirty" foods. Pizza. Chips. Ice Cream. Peanut butter. These foods aren't bad for you. You need to choose far denser foods. A bagel with 4 tablespoons of peanut butter could easily top 800 calories.

    I'm in a similar situation but without the hormonal issues.. I'm a guy... I reached the weight that I wanted, or at least a weight where I refused to lose any more weight. I've upped my calories regularly and I'm still not gaining weight. 2100 to 2500 to 2700. Will need to raise them again next week. If you don't see foods as bad or good but just as energy it is fairly easy to eat more. So many tasty things to stuff in my pie hole that I didn't eat for a year.

    What is happening, is that your metabolism is rebounding. When you cut calories drastically for long periods of time your metabolism down regulates. Your body doesn't want to starve so it slows your metabolism. Now you are feeding your body more energy (food) and it is utilizing that energy. You should continue slowly increasing your calories. You could add peanut butter to those apple slices and jump 200 to 400 calories without even noticing. I don't know you, but Orthorexia may be an issue you are dealing with.

    Your issue is probably related to your feelings about good and bad foods. Once you overcome your fear of "bad" foods the process will become much easier. You probably should see your doctor or a psychologist.

    On Youtube, you can find a program that may help. superfatvssuperskinny. It is a UK show, but it often speaks to orthorexia and deals not only with obese people but with extremely thin people as well.

    I'm rooting for ya.
  • GamerLady
    GamerLady Posts: 359 Member
    I say enjoy it while it lasts. Once you get into your mid to late 30's you may start gaining more than you'd like. :)
  • Rose_bee
    Rose_bee Posts: 226 Member
    If you're eating 2,000 calories, and exercising a lot, you may not be eating enough.

    Aim to have eaten 2,000 calories after subtracting the calories you burned off in exercise.

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