Weight and health

[GMayne]

I wanted to verify something. Long story short, I've been through a number of procedures in the last couple of months due to anxiety, from a general physical to blood tests to an EKG. Everything has returned normal. But I am curious about something.

My concern is my weight. I'm genetically very thin. Both my father and uncle were tall and thin at my age; in fact, my uncle still is, while my dad is actually a few lbs overweight. I am a 20-year-old male, 5'11" and roughly 120 lbs. I am gradually gaining weight by increasing my diet, but it is a slow and frustrating process.

My primary question is this: Provided I have a largely healthy, calorie-dense diet, am I at any health risks purely for being underweight? I've been underweight my entire life and nothing has gone wrong as a result of my weight, but I've never thought to ask. I've actually read on some sites that heart problems could result from being underweight, which freaked me out quite a bit. Is this something to worry about even at my age? Is it likely that I will gradually put on some weight and raise my BMI within a few years, or could this simply be the way my body is designed?

Also, if anyone has any advice for a diet or exercise program to help make this easier, I would greatly appreciate it. I eat quite a bit of generally healthy calorie-dense foods, such as seeds and nuts, peanut butter, protein bars, various Odwalla drinks, etc. I want to invite a cardio program into my life, but I find it difficult to do so because of how quickly I burn calories after having gone for a jog or whatever. Couple this with the fact that I don't have a gym membership, and right now my exercise consists primarily of push-ups and crunches in my own home. Which is nice, but not great.

Thank you for your help.

[borninquisitive]

Marriage is a sure fire weight gainer.;-D That isn't my advice though;-)
I think the doctor offered good advice and Kalio has an understanding of boys developement. True, from what I have noticed: boys tend begin filling out around 21 and by 25 are bigger.

[Kalio1]

I have two sons, both very thin and tall at your age. They are now 24 and 26 and have steadily gained. They are still thin, but now have "filled out"
You might want to look into adding a weight gain product to your diet. I have a very thin friend and she added a weight gain powder mixed with whole ice cream once a day and put on the needed pounds in a few months. There are lots of products to choose from.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

You have a BMI of 16.7 which would classify you as underweight.

Checking for metabolic diseases like thyroid function or diabetes should be done to ensure these diseases are not causing weight loss.   Blood tests looking at various hormone levels can also be considered.

A referral to a dietician can be considered to supervise and start a high-caloric diet.  An endocrinologist referral can be considered if the blood tests reveal any hormonal abnormalities.

I am not aware of being underweight as a risk factor for heart disease.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_