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Happy Tummy Expert

1 year ago

Dear Faizan,

Thank you for your question.

WHO has given different BMI (Body mass index) classifications to categorise adults into different weight categories. BMI is a simple index of weight-for- height. It can be considered as a 2nd level indicator of overall health. It can be calculated using a simple formula of BMI = Weight (kg) / Height (m²)

Following is the WHO BMI Classification

18.5 to 24.9 - Normal

Less than 18.5 - Underweight

25 to 29 - Overweight

Above 30 - Obese

As per WHO BMI (Body Mass Index) classification, a person weighing less than 18.5 kg/m2 is considered underweight.

The causes of underweight or unintended weight loss can be due to genetics, inadequate food intake, stress, hormonal imbalance, malabsorption or other underlying health condition.

In any weight management programme, it is very essential to consume a healthy diversified balanced diet with few dietary modifications and regular physical activity. For weight gain it is essential to focus on your daily balanced diet with high calorie, high protein and regular meals. With any weight gain diet, changes take time to reflect as your body requires sufficient time to adapt to the changes in order to show results.

A high calorie and high protein diet is recommended for weight gain. Daily protein requirement should ideally be followed as 0.8-1g protein per kg body weight. Some of the sources of high protein include pulses, lentils, milk, paneer, soybean, eggs, lean meat, nuts & seeds etc.

Here are few guidelines that can be considered

-        Having a Healthy Diversified Balanced Diet that includes all the food groups in the right quantity which thereby provides you with all the essential macro and micro nutrients that your body requires daily for proper functioning. Include energy dense foods, keeping in mind the daily needs.

-        Maintain a positive energy balance where the calorie intake should be more than the energy expenditure.

-    Include energy dense foods, keeping in mind the daily needs. Some of the energy dense foods include Whole wheat, Multigrain, millets, dairy products, nuts, colocasia leaves, banana, raisins, pulses/lentils etc.

-        Do not skip meals. Eat small frequent meals.

-        Three major meals a day with healthy nutritious snacks in between is preferred.

-        Try to increase the serving size and portion size gradually and systematically

-        Include healthy fats from nuts and seeds.

-        Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day to maintain hydration

-        Indulging in physical activity can help in increasing the appetite and give a feeling of hunger.

-        Try to follow a good sleep regimen in terms of both quantity and quality.

Gastrointestinal digestive issues such as regular gastritis, bloating, abdominal cramps can be a symptom of indigestion, constipation, IBS, intolerances etc., and/or due to an underlying health condition which requires medical attention. For further diagnosis and assistance kindly contact your specialized health care professional.

Certain food intolerances can cause bloating and stomach pain after consuming specific foods. In lactose intolerance it is seen after consuming milk and milk products like cheese, paneer etc. And in gluten intolerance it is seen after consuming, wheat, rye, barley etc. For further diagnosis and assistance kindly contact your specialized health care professional.

Here are a few guidelines for general digestive health.

-        Do not skip your meals, have small frequent meals at regular intervals.

-        Eat a well-balanced diet including minimum 5 serving of vegetables and 1 serving of fruit in a day as they are good sources of fiber and essential nutrients such as vitamin A, Vitamin B, iron, zinc etc.

-        Include prebiotics such as banana, soyabean, garlic etc., good sources of probiotics like yogurt, buttermilk etc., to maintain a healthy gut.

-        Try to include whole grains like wheat, millets and multigrain in your diet as they are a good source of fiber and other nutrients.

-        Avoid large, heavy meals, and practice portion guidance.

-        Deep fried foods to be restricted. Method of cooking like baking, grilling, boiling, steaming is preferable over deep frying with excess fat/ oil.

-        Try to limit the foods like caffeine, spices, raw onions etc.

-        Food should be eaten slowly and chewed well as fast eating provokes gastric feeding reflex.

-        Avoid lying down immediately after your meal consumption

-        Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day

-        Have a gap of minimum 2-3 hours between bedtime and your last meal

-        Engage in physical activity for a minimum of 30-45 minutes for at least 5 days a week.

-        Try to follow a good sleep regimen in terms of both quantity and quality.

For a customised and personalised meal plan for specific conditions, please contact your Health care professional.

Hope we have answered your query.

Wishing you a great day ahead!

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