Questions and Answers
What percentage of Americans between 20 to 39 years old were underweight in 2015-2016?
2.5%
What is a common challenge for individuals who want to gain weight, especially muscle mass?
It can be just as challenging as losing weight is for a person who is overfat.
Why may physically active children and adolescents have higher energy needs?
Because their bodies are growing rapidly.
What may be necessary for an underweight person who has not tried to lose weight?
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Why may some underweight individuals struggle to gain weight?
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What type of diseases can result in severe weight loss that is difficult to treat?
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Why may some people with depression lose weight?
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What is the BMI range that defines an underweight individual?
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What type of foods are recommended for underweight adults to gain weight?
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What beverages can underweight individuals replace with more nutritious calorie sources?
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Why is following a regular meal and snack schedule important for underweight individuals?
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What can underweight individuals do if their physical activity habits are hindering their ability to gain weight?
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What is necessary for underweight individuals to add muscle mass through resistance training?
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What is a potential outcome for healthy underweight individuals who accept their body build?
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What is often accompanied by increasing body fat in healthy individuals?
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What is a key factor in weight gain for typically slim individuals?
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Study Notes
Gaining Weight
- About 2.5% of Americans aged 20-39 were underweight in 2015-2016.
- An underweight individual has a BMI of less than 18.5.
- Factors that contribute to underweight include genetics, lifestyle practices, serious chronic diseases, and psychological disturbances.
Causes of Underweight
- Inheriting higher resting metabolic rates or tall body frames can make it difficult to gain weight.
- Excessive physical activity can result in low body weight, especially in rapidly growing children and adolescents.
- Chronic diseases such as cancer, tuberculosis, AIDS, and inflammatory bowel disease can cause severe weight loss.
- Depression can lead to inadequate food intake and weight loss.
Gaining Weight Safely and Sensibly
- Underweight individuals can gradually increase their consumption of calorie-dense foods, especially those high in healthy fats.
- High-calorie nutritious food choices include fatty fish, olives, avocados, seeds, low-fat cheeses, nuts, and granola made with dried fruit, seeds, and nuts.
- Replacing beverages with more nutritious calorie sources, such as 100% fruit juices, smoothies, and milkshakes, can aid in weight gain.
- Following a regular meal and snack schedule is essential for weight gain and maintenance.
- Reducing physical activity or incorporating resistance-training programs can help underweight individuals gain muscle mass, but they must increase their calorie intake to support the additional exercise.
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Description
Understand why people are underweight and learn ways to gain weight safely and sensibly. Factors contributing to underweight and BMI are discussed.
