Ask

Happy Tummy Expert

5 months ago

Dear Sudhanshu Yadav, Thank you for the 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.

 

Please note it is recommended that the target body weight must be maintained within the normal BMI & ideal body weight range.

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 which may require medical assistance.



An ideal weight management program such as weight gain involves lifestyle management including dietary modification, regular physical activity, hydration and good sleep cycle. 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.

 

As a general dietary guideline, for an apparently healthy individual/ with no specific health or nutrition needs and/or metabolic condition it is recommended to consume 2000kcal/d and for men, the RDA for protein requirement is 54g/d and for  fiber it is 30g/d.

A high calorie and high protein diet is recommended for weight gain. High protein foods give a feeling of satiety, delay gastric emptying and help in maintain lean body or muscle mass . Daily protein requirement should ideally be followed as 0.8-1g per kg body weight. You can include non-vegetarian sources of protein such as chicken, eggs, fish, prawns etc and vegetarian sources Milk & milk products like paneer, Legumes, lentils, beans (chickpeas, kidney, mung, pinto etc.), peas (green, split, etc.), soybeans (and products made from soy: tofu, tempeh, etc.), peanuts, almonds, pistachios, cashews, walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, hemp seeds, squash and pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, sesame seeds, chia seeds as a part of your daily balanced diet

Here are few guidelines that can be considered for weight gain

 

• 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.
• Include good amount of fiber in your daily balanced, some of the god sources of fiber include whole grain, multigrain, millets, fruits and vegetables, nuts etc.
• 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.

Healthy nutritious food and a diversified balanced diet according to your food choice and ethnicity can be consumed. It is always preferable to consume food that has been prepared hygienically.

Here are some of the healthier food options that can be considered for Breakfast

• Rava Upma
• Idli
• Dosa
• Moong dal cheela
• Rava Idli
• Vegetable sandwich/ chicken sabdwich
• Poha
• Oats Cheela
• Methi Paratha
• Pesearattu
• Mix vegetable paratha
• Wheat chapathi +Omlette
• Paddu
• Multigrain Roti +sabji
• Millet dosa

Here are some of the healtiery food options that can be considered for lunch or dinner:

• Methi Paratha + Moong Sprouts & Pomegranate Salad

• Dal Paratha + Pineapple Raita
• Non-veg gravy + Rice/Brown rice+ Sabji
• Paneer Fried Rice
• Veg Vermicelli Upma + Peanut Sundal
• Rajma Chawal 
• Bajra Khichdi + boiled egg
• Wheat Egg roll
• Besan cheela+ tomato chutney
• Bajra roti+ sabji
• Multigrain paratha + sabji
• Spinach paratha
• Multigrain Roti +sabji
• Millet dosa
• Wheat chapathi + Paneer Sabji
• Dalia Khichdi+ sabji
• Rice/ brown Rice + Egg curry
• Bajra Roti + Sabji
• Whole wheat/multigrain roti + Dal+ Sabji

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

0 Reply