Underweight concern

Question
I am in my 20s. I am 5'0 feet tall & 75 pds. My doc had done hyperthyroidism twice within last year or two. They also did a hormonal imbalance check too which came back good. I don't have hyperthyroidism either. I was wondering is there anything else a doctor could do? My mom is genetically small so I am sure genes play a role. Is there any medication that could be given to help me gain weight? I do eat pretty good around 2,200 calories a day or so unless I am sick then my appetite isn't good. I am just little frustrated. Thanks for any help.

Answer
Hi Tiffany,

If you have been medically cleared and just need to eat more calories you might consider a supplement beverage. There are several brands including Ensure, Boost, Carnation Instant Breakfast drink and store brands. You can start with one a day to see how you like it and then work your way up to two or three. This will help you gain a couple of pounds a month.

It's probably likely that you are over-estimating your calorie intake. Try keeping a food log and see if there are more days than you thought that your appetite is poor. I often find that people who wish they weighed more have eating habits different from other people, like they "forget" to eat lunch or dinner or both on several days each week!

There are medications that are appetite stimulants, but I think the supplements work great and there aren't side effects like there are with medications.

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