Underweight Issues in Women
Many women face challenges associated with being underweight for a variety of reasons. A common cause in many instances is the inability to consume an adequate amount of calories. However, women can employ several strategies to effectively manage and increase their weight to the desired level in a short period of time. Below, we will explore the causes of underweight and effective treatment methods.
Causes of Underweight in Women
- Unhealthy dietary habits established from an early age.
- Genetic predispositions and hereditary factors.
- Following inappropriate diet plans, particularly those aimed at weight loss, which may lead to insufficient caloric intake and resultant underweight.
- Medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism and anemia.
- Digestive disorders resulting in poor nutrient absorption.
- Cancer-related conditions or treatment side effects, such as those from chemotherapy.
- Mental health issues, including depression, stress, and anxiety.
- Increased metabolic rate.
Guidelines and Recommendations for Gaining Weight
- Consult a healthcare professional to undergo various laboratory tests to rule out underlying causes of being underweight, as mentioned earlier.
- Incorporate energy-dense foods into your diet, such as fruit cocktails, pastries, and pies.
- Begin meals with the main course and reserve salads and fruit for the end.
- Consume a variety of fruits and vegetables that provide essential vitamins and minerals.
- Enjoy a small amount of sweets at the end of meals, or substitute with a cream and jam pie.
- Add margarine to dishes when cooking.
- Include olive oil in your salads.
- Sweeten milk with honey.
- Snack on nuts and dried fruits.
- Have a cup of yogurt with both lunch and dinner.
- Sprinkle grated cheese on rice and pasta dishes.
- Eat outdoors when possible.
- Chew food slowly to aid digestion.
- Vary meals frequently for better nutrition.
- Engage in regular physical activity, as exercise helps strengthen and enlarge muscle mass.
- Seek exposure to sunlight.
Home Remedies for Managing Underweight
- Boil a cup of water, add three grams of fenugreek powder, and let it boil for one minute. Strain the mixture, sweeten it with honey, and drink it three times a day. Continue this regimen until the desired weight is achieved. Alternatively, mix one and a half tablespoons of fenugreek oil into a cup of warm water, drink it daily before breakfast and before bedtime, sweetened with jam or natural honey.
- Coriander is beneficial due to its high iron content, which can enhance red blood cell production and improve hemoglobin levels. You can consume one tablespoon of ground coriander seeds after lunch or add it to salads.
- Combine fenugreek with nuts by mixing a cup of milk with one tablespoon of fenugreek powder and two tablespoons of ground nuts such as walnuts, almonds, and pistachios.
- Incorporate figs, raisins, and chickpeas into your diet by simmering one cup of water with one tablespoon of figs and one of anise. Consume this mixture during breakfast for a duration of forty days.