Can’t gain weight on 4000 calories

aiharasanae7
aiharasanae7 Posts: 2 Member
edited September 2023 in Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
I am female, 23 years and recently I’ve struggled to gain to a healthy weight
I used to have slightly chubby face a few years ago and now its gaunt and boney especially if I eat a normal amt (1500-2000 calories)
I usually binge and try to be in a caloric surplus, im not active
I have been eating 4000 calories but I still look and feel unhealthy skinny

I eat balanced meals with healthy fats, lean proteins and even unhealthy fast food
I don’t want my life to revolve around eating
I don’t have hypothyroidism

Why could this be?

Replies

  • aiharasanae7
    aiharasanae7 Posts: 2 Member
    I am 5’7” and 114 lbs, used to be 126 and lost it without trying. I also struggle with depression and anxiety but force myself to eat a lot
  • csplatt
    csplatt Posts: 1,205 Member
    How are you calculating the 4000? Digital food scale?
  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 34,234 Member
    What does your doctor say about the situation?

    If you've consistently been eating 4000 daily for at least 4-6 weeks, and not gaining, try eating 4500.
  • Lietchi
    Lietchi Posts: 6,841 Member
    I'll second the doctor recommendation - 4000 seems very high for a woman. You could 'simply' be a statistical outlier, or something medical could be going on.
    If this is a fairly recent development, I would definitely see a doctor.
    This isn't a very fun list to read: https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/unexplained-weight-loss/basics/causes/sym-20050700
    Intestinal parasites could also be a cause.

    In the meantime these strategies might make it easier to eat more:
    - increase your fats (more calories per gram than protein and carbs) for example cooking oils and dressings
    - liquid calories (for example shakes and smoothies) because they tend to be less filling
  • Retroguy2000
    Retroguy2000 Posts: 1,848 Member
    Definitely see a doctor.

    No way you can be 114 pounds, not active, eating 4,000, and not be gaining weight.

    If you've been increasing calories in recent weeks and still dropping weight, something else is going on with your health. See a doctor.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,990 Member
    maybe you have a tapeworm...........lol, but seriously, if you're not gaining, then eat more. But at 4000 calories, most MEN would gain if not active.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 35+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
    9285851.png
  • Melwillbehealthy
    Melwillbehealthy Posts: 894 Member
    Have a test for parasites. My daughter had a time when she came back from the far east and we couldn’t figure out what was wrong with her, I.e. unhealthy looking, pale skin, weak. A tropical disease specialist finally told her of the 3 different parasites she had. They were very difficult to get rid of.
    Even in North America parasites are common, but not supposed to be so harmful. Just a thought.

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