INTRODUCTION

Everyone wants to lose weight but there are few people who are underweight and want to gain weight.

CAUSES OF WEIGHT LOSS

Hyperthyroidism can cause weight loss due to hyperactivity state and high metabolic rate of the patient. Type 1 Diabetes mellitus causes damaged pancreas and decreased insulin and there is glucose wastage resulting in weight loss. Tuberculosis is a wasting disease and causes weight loss. Cancer, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis commonly causes weight loss. HIV /AIDS decreases immunity and causes diseases due to which there is weight loss. In respiratory diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease it results in laboured breathing and hence causes weight loss. In parasitic disease, parasites eat away the nutritional food and leads to weight loss. Weight loss also occurs in alcoholic liver disease as alcohol provided empty calories.

DEALING WITH WEIGHT LOSS

Treatment of the disease causing weight loss is essential. Eat more calories than required. Eat energy rich foods
Examples of energy rich foods
Veg: milk and milk products, banana, dry fruits like figs, raisins and dates, nuts like peanuts, soyabean vegetable.
Non veg: meat, chicken, eggs
Do not drink water or drink less water before, during and after meals so that there should be enough space for eating food.
Have 6,7 smaller meals instead of 2,3 larger meals. This is important for keeping blood sugar levels in check and prevention of diabetes.
After cure from the disease once health is stable it should be accompanied by exercise. It increases your appetite and protein mass and helps in preventing diabetes. Go to gymnasium and do less of cardio on treadmill and more of strength toning exercises.