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Diet prescription for underweight depends on the sex, height and activity pattern of the individual. When the body is 10 to 20 percent less than the ideal body weight, it is referred to as underweight. Weight is determined on the basis of an individual's height, age and gender. Treatment depends on the identification of the cause. The major causes of underweight are hormonal disturbances, improper eating pattern, eating disorders, increased physical activity and certain health conditions, such as tuberculosis, fever and cancer and so on. Certain hormonal conditions, such as hyperthyroidism result in increased metabolic rate. This in turn results in increase in expenditure.
Diet plays a major role in treatment of underweight. But, the presence of any of the above said conditions need to be treated, if identified. Calorie intake is the best way to increase the body weight. Increasing the intake by 500 calories, adds up half a kilogram of weight. A sudden increase in calories is difficult to incorporate in the regular diet. This is done by eating frequently with smaller intervals. Eat five to six meals, instead of the regular three meal pattern. Muscle mass calls for a high intake of protein. Animal foods, such as poultry, egg, fish and meat provide the necessary protein.
Poultry devoid of the skin and lean meat are healthy alternatives. Pulses and legumes are plant proteins. Carbohydrates help in weight gain. Cereal, honey and sugar increases the calories. Starchy vegetables such as potatoes, yam, and sweet potato and so on increase the extra pounds. Fats are taken in a restricted manner, as they are not a healthy way of gaining weight. They provide a lot of calories and result in unwanted complications, such as atherosclerosis, stroke and so on. Avoid saturated fats and opt for unsaturated fats.
Drink eight to ten glasses of water, to eliminate toxins and other wastes. Milk and milk products provide energy and protein. Milkshakes, yoghurt and fresh fruit juices provides a lot of calories and helps in weight gain. Nuts and dried fruits are dense with calories and a handful is enough as a snack to increase your weight. Protein shakes and other commercial powders also prove effective, when taken with the guidance of your physician. Regular workouts help in increasing the expenditure, thereby increasing the hunger pangs. Try out exercises, such as weight lifting and holding weights. Dumb bells, bench presses, parallel bars, dead lifts and others also help to add on the extra pounds.
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