Concerns About Being Underweight
Greetings, I am a 15-year-old girl from Germany, standing approximately 160-165cm tall. My most recent weight was 43kg, which I recognize is not a healthy figure for my age group. My mother is quite worried about this as she has observed that I seem to be eating less than before. It may be relevant to mention that I have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and take 25mcg of Levothyroxine each morning. Additionally, I've been struggling with anxiety and OCD, which could potentially influence my eating patterns. I’ve noticed a decline in my weight, having weighed around 46kg last year, so it appears I have lost some. I’m seeking advice on how I can increase my weight and whether my medical conditions might be contributing factors. This is my first time posting on Reddit, and English is not my primary language, so I hope my message is clear enough!
Answers (1)
3/18/2025, 11:01:04 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's important to recognize your concerns about being underweight, especially at your age. Your current weight is below the healthy range for your height and can be influenced by several factors, including your hypothyroidism and anxiety.
Understanding Your Situation
Being underweight can lead to various health issues, including decreased energy levels and vitamin deficiencies. Your hypothyroidism, managed with Levothyroxine, may slow your metabolism, but anxiety and OCD can also affect your appetite and eating habits. Acknowledging that these conditions may play a role in your weight loss is a vital step toward finding solutions.
Next Steps to Increase Weight
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Increase Caloric Intake: Focus on adding more nutrient-dense foods. Consider incorporating:
- Healthy fats: Like avocados, nuts, and olive oil.
- Whole grains: Such as brown rice, whole-grain bread, and oats.
- Protein sources: Including eggs, dairy products, legumes, and lean meats.
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Small, Frequent Meals: Instead of three large meals, try to have five to six smaller meals throughout the day. This can make it easier to increase your overall calorie intake without feeling overly full.
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a simple food diary for a week to note what you eat and how you feel. This will help you and your family identify triggers that may be affecting your appetite.
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Stay Hydrated but Control Fluid Intake: Drink fluids but do so between meals rather than with meals, as excessive fluid can reduce your appetite.
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Minimize Stress: If your anxiety and OCD are affecting your eating, find ways to manage stress. Gentle activities like walking, yoga, or mindfulness practices can help. Consider discussing with your family or a therapist about support for your mental health.
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Set Realistic Goals: Aim for gradual weight gain—about 0.5 to 1 kg per week is a safe and attainable target. Celebrate small successes along the way!
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Nutritional Supplements (If Necessary): If you struggle to consume enough calories through food, consider discussing high-calorie nutritional shakes or supplements with your parents for guidance.
Conclusion
It's commendable that you're taking steps to improve your health. Remember, it's important to approach this process with care and to seek support from your family. They can help you navigate these changes and accompany you on your journey toward a healthier weight. Always prioritize your mental well-being along with physical health. You’re not alone in this, and things can improve with the right strategies.
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