Struggling to Gain Weight
At 22 years of age, I stand at 179 cm and weigh just 50.4 kg (the last measurement I took). My mother recalls that I began to lose weight when I was about nine months old, and I never managed to regain it. Both of my parents deal with diabetes, and my mother also has ulcerative colitis. Interestingly, I do not experience any gastrointestinal symptoms. As a medical student, I found myself delving into my own health issues, seeking to understand if there might be an underlying problem. I underwent several tests, including complete blood count (CBC), renal function tests (RFTs), liver function tests (LFTs), and anti-tissue transglutaminase (anti-tTG) screening. The CBC indicated that I have macrocytic anemia, which showed improvement following the introduction of folic acid supplements. All other test results were within normal limits. In light of my symptoms, I am considering whether to pursue further investigations to check for potential malabsorption issues. Should I think about getting thyroid function tests or stool analyses? Or am I just overreacting? What could be causing this situation?
Answers (1)
8/13/2025, 4:21:16 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about your weight and overall health, especially given your medical history and family background. Your current weight of 50.4 kg at 179 cm does indicate underweight status, and your lifelong struggle with weight gain adds to this complexity. It’s good to hear that some of your prior tests have come back normal and that you've seen improvement in your anemia with folic acid.
Key Points:
- Potential Underlying Causes: Your weight concerns could be linked to malabsorption issues, metabolic conditions, or historical nutritional deficiencies.
- Investigations to Consider: Thyroid function and stool analyses could provide valuable insights into your metabolism and absorption.
Explanation:
Your macrocytic anemia suggests a problem with red blood cell production, often influenced by vitamin deficiencies (like B12 or folate) or malabsorption. Since your other tests were normal and you have no gastrointestinal symptoms, it might be possible that you have a low-grade absorption issue or a metabolic condition like hyperthyroidism, which you can rule out with thyroid tests.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Thyroid Function Test: Given your concern about weight maintenance and potential metabolic issues, this should be your first step. Abnormal thyroid levels can impact weight and metabolism.
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Stool Analysis: This can help check for malabsorption or infections. It can indicate how well you’re absorbing nutrients from your food.
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Nutritional Evaluation: Consult with a registered dietitian to create a tailored meal plan that emphasizes calorie-dense foods and ensures you’re meeting your nutritional needs. Foods high in healthy fats, proteins, and carbohydrates (like nuts, avocados, whole grains, and dairy) can be particularly beneficial.
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Track Your Intake: Keep a food diary for a week to understand your eating patterns better and identify any gaps in your diet.
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Physical Activity: Engage in strength training exercises, which can help build muscle mass and promote weight gain in a healthy manner.
It’s natural to feel overwhelmed, but remember that you’re proactive about your health, which is an important step. If you have any more questions or need additional guidance, feel free to ask.
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