Healthy ways to gain weight (2024)

Gaining weight can be difficult for some people. With a few changes, you can gradually reach a healthy weight.

Being underweight could mean you're missing out on vitamins and minerals.

This could lead to health problems such as a weak immune system and bone fractures.

Non-urgent advice: Speak to a GP if:

  • you've lost weight suddenly
  • you’ve lost weight without changing your diet or exercise routine
  • you use the control of food to cope with feelings and other situations

This could be a sign of an underlying health condition.

Read more about unintentional weight loss.

Read more about eating disorders.

Information:

Find out if you're underweight

Body mass index (BMI) is a measurement that can show you if you're a healthy weight.

You'll need your height and weight to calculate your BMI.

Use the BMI healthy weight calculator

Tips to help you gain weight

Do

  • gain weight gradually by adding healthy calories – adults could try adding around 300 to 500 extra calories a day

  • eat smaller meals more often, adding healthy snacks between meals

  • add extra calories to your meals with cheese, nuts, and seeds

  • have high-calorie drinks in between meals, such as milkshakes

  • have a balanced diet – choose from a variety of food groups, such as fruit and vegetables, starchy carbohydrates and dairy and alternatives

  • add protein to your meals with beans, pulses, fish, eggs and lean meat

  • have snacks that are easy to prepare, such as yogurt or rice pudding

  • build muscle with strength training or yoga – exercise can also improve your appetite

Don’t

  • do not rely on chocolate, cakes and sugary drinks to gain weight

  • do not fill up on drinks before eating meals

Further information

Adding healthy calories

To add healthy calories, you could:

Build muscle

Strength training or yoga can help you build muscle and increase your appetite.

Try free exercise videos at home on the NHS Fitness Studio

Get meals at home (meals on wheels)

If you struggle to cook or shop for yourself, you may be entitled to have meals delivered to your home. This is provided by your local council's social services.

Find out more about getting meals at home from GOV.UK

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Healthy ways to gain weight (2024)

FAQs

Healthy ways to gain weight? ›

Studies have shown that increasing the intake of fats and proteins might help you gain weight naturally. To my knowledge, food items like red meats, chicken, fish, beans, whole milk, eggs, cheese, full-fat yoghurt, nuts, butter, and olives may help in gaining weight while maintaining your health.

What are 5 healthy ways to gain weight? ›

In general, your plan may include:
  • Eating more frequently. Slowly begin to eat 5 to 6 smaller meals during the day. ...
  • Choosing food with lots of nutrients. ...
  • Top it off. ...
  • Try smoothies and shakes. ...
  • But watch what and when you drink. ...
  • Exercise.

What foods help you gain weight fast? ›

Studies have shown that increasing the intake of fats and proteins might help you gain weight naturally. To my knowledge, food items like red meats, chicken, fish, beans, whole milk, eggs, cheese, full-fat yoghurt, nuts, butter, and olives may help in gaining weight while maintaining your health.

How can I gain 25 pounds in a healthy way? ›

The following tips can help a person gain weight quickly and safely:
  1. Eat three to five meals a day. ...
  2. Weight training. ...
  3. Eat enough protein. ...
  4. Eat meals with fibrous carbohydrates and healthful fats. ...
  5. Drink high-calorie smoothies or shakes. ...
  6. Seek help where needed.
May 30, 2018

What are 2 suggestions given if you are not gaining enough weight? ›

You can put on weight by eating small meals frequently throughout the day. Try to snack on healthy, high-energy foods like cheese, nuts, milk-based smoothies and dried fruit. More tips for gaining weight safely include: using full cream milk in coffee, tea or with meals.

What is the number 1 food to gain weight? ›

Energy-rich foods: Energy-dense foods fuel your body and can help you put on pounds in a healthy way. These include nuts (especially almonds, walnuts, peanuts), dried fruits (raisins or prunes), dark chocolate, high-fat dairy (milk), and certain vegetables (potatoes and yams).

How can a skinny person gain weight? ›

Do
  1. gain weight gradually by adding healthy calories – adults could try adding around 300 to 500 extra calories a day.
  2. eat smaller meals more often, adding healthy snacks between meals.
  3. add extra calories to your meals with cheese, nuts, and seeds.
  4. have high-calorie drinks in between meals, such as milkshakes.

Which supplement is best for weight gain? ›

Supplements for weight gain. Several types of supplements — protein powders, mass gainers, creatine, and pre-workouts — can help you gain weight if you use them in combination with a balanced diet. In general, protein powders and mass gainers are your best bets if you're simply looking to boost your calorie intake.

How long does it take for a skinny person to gain weight? ›

By consuming 500 additional calories daily, a person might gain an average of about 15 pounds (6.8 kg) over 6 months. However, the duration can differ for everyone and depend on factors such as sex, age, and health.

Can peanut butter help in weight gain? ›

Peanut butter is high in protein, aiding weight loss, but it is rich in calories, so it can help you gain weight if you consume too much of it. Nuts are some of the healthiest things you can eat, providing proteins, healthy fats, and a range of vitamins and minerals.

Which fruit is good for weight gain? ›

11 high-calorie fruits for weight gain
  • Bananas. Many high-calorie, power smoothies, and drinks are made with bananas as their main ingredient. ...
  • Mangoes. ...
  • Grapefruits. ...
  • Blueberries. ...
  • Coconut flesh. ...
  • Avocados. ...
  • Dried fruits. ...
  • Grapes.
Sep 23, 2022

Why am I skinny but I eat a lot? ›

A fast metabolism is not the only reason behind it. The answer to this question is quite complex as several factors are at play. Genetics, nutrition, and even behavioural factors are involved which help slim people to maintain their body weight.

Why is gaining weight so hard? ›

A person's build depends largely on genetic factors, which is why it is difficult for a naturally thin person to put on weight. The human body can change to a limited extent through weight training and increased food intake. Gaining or regaining weight can be just as difficult as losing weight.

What is the secret to gaining weight? ›

Successful weight gain requires that you increase your daily intake of carbohydrates. Avoid low carbohydrate diets. Eating vast amounts of dietary protein won't make your muscles grow faster and will put unnecessary pressure on your body, especially your kidneys. Avoid high-protein diets.

Why can't I gain weight? ›

If a person has a high metabolism, they may not gain much weight even when eating high-energy foods. Frequent physical activity. Athletes or people who engage in high levels of physical activity, such as runners, may burn significant amounts of calories that result in low body weight.

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