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brooke27 · Apr 23, 2013, 01:34 PM

Im am a 17 year old, 5ft 3 girl who weighs only 6 stone 10. I have never been big and I have accepted that I never will be but I would like to at least be 7 stone+.
My appetite changes from eating a lot to hardly eating which leaves me losing weight. I dropped down from 7stone 2 to just under 5 stone after an illness and I am happy to have gained some weight back, in just over a year, but now it seems such a struggle.
Since starting college, people have commented on my weight and various body parts which Im very conscious of anyway, but its making me quite down. Sometimes when Im having a bad day, I feel like people are staring and commenting.
If anyone is able to give any advice, would be much appreciated.

Gernald · Apr 23, 2013, 05:31 PM

Right now your BMI looks to be about 16.6 which as you know is underweight.

When you say you've lost your appetite, do you simply not feel full or does the food make you feel ill? Without eating you can't gain weight or maintain normal weight for that matter. So the first thing you should do is have a look at your diet. You still want healthy foods (fruits and veggies!) but you want more. It wouldn't hurt to throw in some carbs and protein as well to help build you back up.
If you find this doesn't work, you might consider adding protein shakes and 'diet' bars to your regular meals. They have extra calories, just in smaller portions.

I would suggest seeing your doctor, as weight loss can implicate some pretty serious problems (I'm curious, what illness did you have before?). Maintaining proper body weight is also important for someone of your age who's still growing and active.

brooke27 · Apr 24, 2013, 07:03 AM

I manage to eat then its like I hit a wall and can't eat without gagging. When I have a good appetite, I do manage to eat at least 5 small meals a day which is where I gain the weight. I have previously tried the protein shakes and I'm doing a few exercises to try and help.

I have what's known as cluster headaches. At first it left me sleeping for 2/3 days straight, which left me missing a lot of school during my GCSEs and at the same time there was a couple of deaths in the family. Therefore I got diagnosed with mild depression, which made me lose my appetite completely.

Gernald · Apr 24, 2013, 11:27 AM

Are you taking any medications for the depression or headaches? It might be causing the loss of appetite. Or it could just be the depression, have you seen your doctor since you've been diagnosed with the depression?

brooke27 · Apr 24, 2013, 12:26 PM

I was on medication for the headaches but I was taken off and I'm on nothing for the depression. Yeah, Im fine now but just to keep an eye on my moods and the weight progress.

tita1 · Apr 24, 2013, 02:45 PM

Have you made a blood test lately?do you feel sleepy much often? A sudden dizziness ? It might your hemoglobin level is low.. which makes you lose your appetite.. take in consideration that losing apetite side effects are anxiety and depression sometimes.. if so,you might need to take Fe or folic acid or v.B12.. it depends on what is low.. it's curable.. at first your body need a period of adaptation to the new diet.. be well

Gernald · Apr 24, 2013, 02:54 PM

Originally Posted by tita1

Have you made a blood test lately?do you feel sleepy much often? a sudden dizziness ? it might your hemoglobin level is low..which makes you lose your appetite..take in consideration that losing apetite side effects are anxiety and depression sometimes..if so,you might need to take Fe or folic acid or v.B12..it depends on what is low..it's curable..at first your body need a period of adaptation to the new diet..be well

I agree it could be one of these issues, but before you start taking supplements you should speak with your doctor. I'd be more concerned about finding the root of the problem, before treating it- though a daily vitamin supplement probably wouldn't hurt.

Sometimes people don't realize that they're depressed in the initial stages and this causes weight loss or gain. Which is why I was curious if you were taking anything for the depression, perhaps you should look in to that.

I'm also curious if you have any foods which cause you any trouble? Any change in bowel habits? And sort of abdominal pain? Weakness/numbness anywhere? Do you still experience the headaches?

brooke27 · Apr 26, 2013, 01:07 AM

Most of the time I am tired and I have always had dizzy spells since I was four but I just assumed it was to do with my diet recently. I have blood checks about twice a year as a regular check up. I do still get the headaches but not as much.

Ive made an appointment to see a doctor so I'll mention supplements to them. Thank you.