Weight gain

[giraffe7983]

I am a 28 yr. old male and am 5'10" and weigh from 150-155lbs.
My BMI is 21.5 and I have low cholesterol and blood pressure. I am healthy otherwise as well.
Since I grapple (wrestle), I would like to put on some weight to be able to have more of a "competitive edge". Some of the guys I wrestle against are 50 lbs. heavier than I am and it's difficult to wrestle against them because of their weight advantage. I would also like to put on some extra weight for aesthetic value (for the ladies).
Since I am a healthy person at 5'10" and 150, would I be safely able to put on about 15 to 20 lbs.? I usually eat until I'm full and I usually don't gain or lose weight. I've been about 150-155lbs. for at least 11 years now. I don't want to put on a bunch of fat or sacrifice my health (blood pressure, etc.) to put on the extra weight. I also have plenty of energy now. I've tried weight gainers before, but I heard they throw your body off balance. I also wouldn't know how to go about it in a healthy way. Would I be able to pack on 20 lbs. or should I stay the weight I'm at now?  Thanks.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Normal weight is generally considered to be a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9  You could be up to 173 lbs and still have a BMI of less than 25.  As to the best way to put on the weight, I would suggest a supervised program in conjunction with a dietician.  That way any complication that may arise would be monitored and addressed.  

This option 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.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[giraffe7983]

Thanks for your help