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Healthy Weight Center

Weight Gaining Substances

03/12/2009

Question:

Is there any thing over the counter that I can take for being underweight?

Answer:

Thanks for your question. There are over the counter dietary supplements that are high in calories (such as Boost, Slimfast, Ensure or Carnation Instant Breakfast) that will help you with weight gain. These should be consumed IN ADDITION to eating.

You can also gain weight by simply consuming more calories (ie drinking extra juice and milk during the day) and eating larger portions of other foods from the Food Pyramid on a regular basis.

Also- strength training exercises (like weight lifting) may help increase muscle and strength. If you simply eat more and do not exercise, you will gain weight (often fat) but not muscle.

For more information on weight gain, search previously answered questions on this site. Good Luck!

For more information:

Go to the Healthy Weight Center health topic, where you can:

Response by:

Lisa Cicciarello Andrews, MEd, RD, LD Lisa Cicciarello Andrews, MEd, RD, LD
Adjunct Faculty
University of Cincinnati