How To Gain Weight Quickly?

Are you one of those who struggle to gain weight? Don’t worry; you have come to the right place. This post will provide you with a basic understanding of weight gain and some quick dietary tips to help achieve your health goals. 

Weight gain is a common concern faced by many people, and it’s not just about eating more junk food or indulging in unhealthy snacks. In fact, gaining weight in a healthy way requires a balanced approach and a focus on nutrient-dense foods.

Being underweight can be associated with several health risks, and a person is considered underweight when their BMI is less than 18.5 kg/m2. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to gain weight, this article is for you! We will show you how to gain weight quickly and easily with some simple steps and a list of top weight gain foods to incorporate into your diet.

So, let’s get started and help you achieve your weight gain goals in a healthy and sustainable way.

Cracking the Code: Understanding How Weight Gain Works in Your Body

Let’s start by taking a closer look at how weight gain works in the body. Essentially, weight gain occurs when you consume more calories than your body needs to maintain its current weight. 

When you consistently eat in a calorie surplus, your body stores the excess calories as fat, leading to weight gain over time.

While it may sound simple, weight gain can be a complex process that is influenced by a variety of factors. For example, genetics, hormones, and metabolism can all play a role in how your body stores and uses calories. 

And, the type and quality of the foods you eat can impact your body’s ability to gain weight in a healthy way.

It’s important to note that gaining weight in a healthy way requires a balanced approach. Consuming too many calories or relying on unhealthy foods can lead to weight gain that is accompanied by negative health consequences, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other chronic diseases.

Causes of Being Underweight: Exploring Genetic, Medical, and Lifestyle Factors

There could be various causes of being underweight. Let’s discuss some of them.

1. Genetic Pattern

Some people may be underweight due to their genetic makeup, which can make it challenging to gain muscle and weight. These individuals are often referred to as ectomorphs or hard gainers, and they tend to have a lean and skinny body type. 

While it may be difficult to gain weight with a genetic predisposition to being underweight, it is still possible to make progress through targeted exercise and a nutrient-dense diet. Eating a diet that is high in protein and healthy fats can be beneficial, as can focusing on strength training exercises that promote muscle growth.

2. Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a medical condition in which the body produces an excessive amount of thyroid hormone, leading to a high metabolic rate and unhealthy weight loss. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism can include weight loss, increased heart rate, and fatigue. 

If you suspect that you may have hyperthyroidism, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Treatment options for hyperthyroidism may include medication, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery, depending on the severity of the condition.

3. Dietary Inadequacy

Lack of proper diet and nutrients is one of the common reasons why people find it hard to gain weight. Consuming a diet that is low in calories or lacking in essential nutrients can contribute to being underweight. 

To combat this, it is important to focus on consuming a balanced diet that is rich in nutrient-dense foods such as whole grains, lean protein, fruits, and vegetables. And, incorporating healthy fats into the diet, such as avocados and nuts, can help to increase caloric intake and promote weight gain.

4. Infections

Poor gut health, increased susceptibility to infections, and conditions like leaky gut or Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome (IBS) are common reasons for being underweight. These conditions can interfere with the digestion and absorption of nutrients, leading to malnourishment and weight loss. 

To improve gut health and nutrient absorption, it is important to consume a diet that is rich in prebiotics and probiotics, such as fermented foods and fiber-rich fruits and vegetables. Also, reducing stress and getting enough sleep can also be beneficial for improving gut health.

5. Stress

Stress can impact appetite and lead to weight loss in some individuals. While stress is often associated with weight gain, chronic stress can cause the body to release cortisol, a hormone that can suppress appetite and lead to weight loss. To combat stress-related weight loss, it is important to find ways to manage stress, such as through mindfulness practices, exercise, or therapy. 

And, consuming a diet that is high in nutrient-dense foods and healthy fats can help to support the body during times of stress.

6. Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, blood pressure, or heart diseases, can also contribute to being underweight. If you are experiencing unexplained weight loss or are having difficulty gaining weight, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. 

In some cases, medical conditions may require medications or other interventions to help manage symptoms and promote weight gain.

The Role of Lifestyle Factors in Achieving Healthy Weight Gain

Lifestyle factors play an important role in weight gain and overall health. While consuming a calorie surplus is necessary for weight gain, it is not the only factor to consider. Other lifestyle factors such as sleep, stress, and physical activity can also impact weight gain progress.

1. Sleep 

Sleep is crucial for weight gain, as it is during sleep that the body repairs and rebuilds muscle tissue. Inadequate sleep can lead to decreased muscle recovery and impaired metabolic function, making it more difficult to gain weight. Therefore, getting enough sleep is important for supporting healthy weight gain.

2. Stress

Stress can also impact weight gain progress, as chronic stress can lead to the release of the hormone cortisol, which can increase appetite and promote fat storage. Therefore, managing stress through activities such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can be beneficial for supporting healthy weight gain.

3. Physical activity

Physical activity is another important lifestyle factor for weight gain. While strength training is important for building muscle and promoting weight gain, other types of physical activity can also be beneficial. For example, incorporating cardiovascular exercise such as running or cycling can help to increase overall caloric expenditure and support a healthy weight gain.

Top Weight Gain Foods to Incorporate in Your Diet for Healthy Weight Gain

Total calorie intake plays a significant role during both weight gain and loss. And weight gaining does not mean simply loading up on calories. One must carefully plan a weight gain diet considering the requirement of all the major nutrients – carbohydrates, protein, fats, and vitamins and minerals.  

Before you begin your weight gain journey, it is advisable to determine your daily calorie intake based on BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) and energy expenditure. A good diet plan for weight gain must provide calories more than everyday needs to create a surplus. The diet must include healthy high-calorie foods for weight gain and not junk or unhealthy stuff.

If you want to gain weight, it is essential to do it right. Here is the weight gain foods list that one can easily include in any weight gain diet.

1. Protein Shakes and Gainers

Protein powders and weight gain powders for weight gain are excellent choices. A healthy weight gain means muscle gain and not excess fat accumulation. Proteins and gainers support a healthy weight gain and help meet daily protein and calorie needs.

2. Nut Butters

Nut butter like peanut butter, almond or cashew butter contains high levels of good fats like MUFA and omega-3. They are delicious, healthy, make you feel full, and you can enjoy them in multiple ways. Nut butter can be a part of shakes, smoothies, sandwiches as spreads or high-protein bars.

3. Oats with Yoghurt

Oats with yoghurt is another calorie-dense food that can aid weight gain. You can also relish it with dried fruits, nuts and berries to make it yummier and nutrient-rich.

4. Starchy Vegetables

Vegetables like sweet potato, potatoes and yam are rich in complex carbs. They are calorie-dense foods, help increase weight and muscle glycogen stores.

5. Whole Eggs

Eggs are packed with good-quality proteins and healthy fats. They contain vitamin D, A, choline, iron and folate. You can add eggs to salads, sandwiches, muffins and desserts. 

6. Fruit Smoothies

Smoothies are an excellent way to gain muscle mass. You can use milk or greek yoghurt as a base and blend it with fruits like banana, apple, mango, cheeku or pineapple. To increase the calorie load, one can also add honey, nut butter, nuts or seeds to the smoothie. 

7. Meat and Chicken

Meat and chicken are protein-rich and contain leucine, which stimulates muscle protein synthesis. In addition, meats are naturally rich in creatine – the best for muscle building.

8. Cereals

Carbohydrates play a vital role during weight and muscle mass gaining. A healthy weight gain diet must include healthy grains like rice, quinoa, oats, whole wheat, pasta, buckwheat, bajra, ragi and jowar. 

9. Full-Fat Dairy

Full-fat dairy products like milk, paneer, curd, yoghurt, cheese are other healthy and convenient food options to gain weight healthily. They have a great nutritional profile and a well-balanced mix of protein, carbs, and fat. 

10. Avocados

Avocados are super healthy, high in calories and loaded with vitamin C, K, A, and E nutrients. In addition, they are packed with good fats that promote heart health. You can have it simply raw and add to salads, shakes, and smoothies to reap the benefits. 

Common Weight Gain Mistakes to Avoid for a Healthy and Sustainable Journey

Achieving your weight gain goals can be challenging, but avoiding these common mistakes can make the journey smoother and more effective.

1. Relying on Processed Foods

Relying too heavily on processed foods can be a mistake when trying to gain weight. Consuming too many processed foods can be detrimental to both your health and weight gain goals. Instead, try incorporating more whole foods into your diet to support healthy weight gain.

2. Overeating and Excessive Snacking

Overeating and excessive snacking can also hinder weight gain progress. It’s important to track your calories and eat in a controlled manner to ensure that you’re consuming enough calories to support weight gain. Try to avoid overeating and excessive snacking to prevent unnecessary weight gain.

3. Ignoring Strength Training

Neglecting strength training is another common mistake in weight gain journeys. Strength training is essential for building muscle and promoting healthy weight gain. To incorporate strength training into your exercise routine, consider trying weight lifting or bodyweight exercises.

4. Skipping Meals or Undereating

Skipping meals or undereating can negatively impact weight gain progress. It’s important to ensure that you’re consistently consuming enough calories to support healthy weight gain. Try meal planning and meal prepping to ensure that you’re consuming enough calories throughout the day.

5. Not Getting Enough Rest and Recovery

Inadequate rest and recovery can also hinder weight gain progress. Getting enough sleep and rest is crucial for muscle recovery and growth. Consider optimising your sleep and rest habits to support healthy weight gain.

Final Thoughts

Apart from having a well planned calorie-dense diet, it is advisable to stay physically active. Regular exercise, especially strength training, promotes muscle building and a proportionate weight gain. 

A sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy diet may result in fat gain and increase the risk of metabolic disorders like obesity and high cholesterol. Moreover, it can also cause nutritional deficiencies and other health disorders.

The key to memorise here is that weight gain should only happen healthily and safely, not by some addictive habit of gorging on junk food.