How to tackle under weight

How to tackle under weight

Under weight means, if the weight of the person is 10% below the ideal weights. In the west obesity is most common whereas in the tropics underweight is more seen may be due to poverty or lack of dietetic knowledge. Under weight may be due to constitutional (Familial), reduced intake, reduced absorption or due to increased utilisation of nutrients. Under weight person, if it is due to under nutrition are more liable to infectious diseases like tuberculosis. They are in high morbidity risk group. Causes of underweight Familial under weight - In this group if one or both parents are under weight there is increased chances are there for the child to be under weight. This may be due to multiple factors like hereditary, same nutritional and social practise in the family. It can be due tostarvation of any cause. That is restriction in the diet causing reduction in weight may be due to famine or socio-economic reason or to get a good figure or the fear of obesity or weight reducing diets. Psychological conditions like anorexia nervosa. It is commonly seen in adolescent girls may be due to distorted image they are having about their body. They eat very little food due to fear of weight gain. It can be due topoor absorption in diseases like malabsorption syndrome or any other condition causing chronic diarrhoea or vomiting. Under weight can be due to anychronic illness like tuberculosis, asthma, cancer, immune deficiency syndrome, anaemia, some type of diabetes mellitus etc. Under weight can also occur in nervous, active, tensed andoverworked people. In conditions likehyperthyroidism and chronic fevers, under weight is seen may be due to increased utilisation of the nutrient. In condition likechronic bleeding of any cause, result in loss of nutrients leading to under weight. Dietary Recommendations Rule out any pathological cause for under weight. A high protein, high calorie, high fat diet is recommended for an underweight person. Energy The total calorie should be increased. 500 kcal can be increased to the normal calorie allowance. This increase should be gradual in one or two weeks other wise digestive disturbances will occur. Protein Protein is also increased from 1 gm/kg body weight to 1.2gm/kg body weight. This should come from good quality protein like milk, eggs in the initial stages. Later other protein sources like pulses and legumes, nuts, meat, fish, poultry can be included in the diet. Fat Fat is also increased but fried and fatty foods are not recommended. Since it takes longer time for digestion and can cause diarrhoea in excess consumption. Butter, cream, margarine and oil will help to increase weight. These foods should not be taken at the beginning of the meal since it may reduce the appetite. Carbohydrates High carbohydrate foods like potato, sweet potato, colocasia, yam should be increased in the diet for the carbohydrate allowance. Dried fruits, nuts, sweets, dessert, jam, jelly, cereals can be added into the diet liberally. The number of meals can be increased. Vitamin and minerals Unlike protein, fat and carbohydrate there is no need for extra vitamins and minerals. Daily-recommended allowance of vitamins and minerals will be adequate. But if anaemia is present or any particular nutrient deficiency is there, it should be corrected. Fluid Normal fluid must be consumed in a day to avoid constipation and proper functioning of kidney. Fluids should not be taken before and in-between meals. Soft drinks, alcohol, tea and coffee must be reduced in the diet, since they reduce the appetite. Exercise Exercise is good to stimulate appetite. Constipation should be corrected by taking plenty of raw vegetables, fruits and fluids. General tips for under weight Eat frequently, 5 to 6 meals a day. Use full fat milk and milk product not skimmed. Enjoy nuts and dry fruits. Among the fruit, make banana your favourite. Cut down on tea and coffee. Stop smoking, it reduces appetite apart from other harms it have. Water should not be taken before and in between meals. Exercise increases appetite. Fried and fatty foods should be avoided. Include roots and tubers like potato, sweet potato, yam, tapioca and colocasia in the diet.