Before you try to put on weight, check if you’re underweight. If you are, the best way to gain weight will depend on what caused you to lose weight. You may also need medical treatment.
Get advice
If you think you’re underweight, get advice from your GP. They can check if you’re a healthy weight for your height. You can also try use the BMI healthy weight calculator.
Why have I lost weight?
Losing weight without trying to do so can have many causes.
If you’re underweight, your GP can check for any health conditions that may have caused you to lose weight, such as:
Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, can also cause people to lose weight.
Gaining weight
To gain weight, you need to eat more calories than your body uses each day. You need to do this regularly. It's not enough just to have occasional extra snacks.
Your GP can give you advice about eating healthily and making changes to your diet to help you gain weight.
Anorexia nervosa
If your GP thinks you have anorexia nervosa, you will need an overall assessment of your health. This assessment may also involve other healthcare professionals.
Treatment for anorexia usually includes:
- psychological treatment (talking to a therapist or counsellor)
- advice on eating to help you gain weight safely
These treatments work better when used together, rather than on their own.
Your healthcare professional will give you advice about how to increase the amount you eat so you can gain weight safely. They will help you to re-establish or develop healthy eating habits, so that you can:
- eat more food
- eat more healthily
- increase the nutrients and calories you get from the food you eat
You may also need to take supplements, such as multivitamins or multiminerals.
Read more about treatment for anorexia.
Read the answers to more questions about food and diet.
Further information:
