Therapeutic Nutrition for Treating Thinnes

In this article, we will learn about therapeutic nutrition for treating thinness, its causes, and the most important dietary tips that may help with healthy and safe weight gain.

Thinness is usually evaluated by calculating Body Mass Index, or BMI, by dividing body weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters. If the result is less than 18.5, this may indicate thinness, while a range from 18.5 to around 25 generally indicates a normal weight for many adults.

However, BMI is not accurate in all cases, especially for athletes or people who have high muscle mass. Therefore, the overall health condition should be evaluated, rather than relying on one number only.

Health Effects and Complications of Thinness

Severe or persistent thinness may lead to some health complications if not managed properly, including:

• Weak immunity, which may increase the risk of infections.
• Increased risk of weak bones or osteoporosis, especially in some women.
• Menstrual irregularities or fertility issues in some severe cases.
• Affected growth and development in children when they do not get enough nutrients.
• Fatigue or low mood in some people.

Causes of Thinness

Thinness may occur due to several nutritional, health-related, or genetic causes. The most common possible causes include:

• Genetic factors.
• Increased metabolism or a naturally high calorie-burning rate in some people.
• High movement or physical activity without consuming enough calories.
• Some chronic diseases, such as type 1 diabetes, hyperthyroidism, some types of cancer, or tuberculosis.
• Digestive system or liver problems that affect nutrient absorption.
• Low food intake or loss of appetite.
• Some psychological disorders or eating disorders.
• Taking some medications that may affect appetite or weight, such as certain medications for depression, digestive disorders, or epilepsy, depending on the case and the doctor’s evaluation.

Therapeutic Nutrition for Treating Thinness

Therapeutic nutrition for treating thinness aims to increase weight in a healthy way by gradually increasing calories while focusing on food quality, not quantity only. This is preferably done under the supervision of a nutrition specialist, especially in cases of severe thinness or chronic diseases.

The most important dietary tips that may help treat thinness include:

• Eat a healthy and varied diet that includes vegetables, fruits, grains, proteins, and healthy fats.
• Drink enough water, while avoiding drinking large amounts right before meals so appetite is not reduced.
• Practice resistance exercises or exercises that help increase muscle mass under professional supervision.
• Increase the number of daily meals while reducing meal size if the person feels full quickly.
• Focus on protein-rich foods such as eggs, meat, poultry, fish, legumes, and dairy products.
• Use full-fat milk if it is suitable for the health condition and does not cause digestive problems.
• Add nutritious drinks such as banana with milk, while considering the body’s needs and suitable calories.
• Add healthy calorie sources such as nuts, peanut butter, avocado, and olive oil in suitable amounts.

It is also recommended to monitor weight, body measurements, and energy levels regularly, because the goal is not only gaining weight, but also improving muscle mass and overall health.

References

1. What is thinness?
2. The complications of thinness
3. The causes of thinness
4. Healthy ways for treating thinness