Slimming diets and workouts are so popular these days that it’s almost unforgivable if you still make up excuses to not lose weight. But what about those people who have the opposite problem?

What is Metabolism?
To understand how the body breaks down and stores fat, we should define metabolism. Metabolism has two processes. The catabolic reaction will break down food so that the nutrients can be distributed throughout the body. The anabolic reaction happens when the nutrients are used to build new tissues.

The ability to lose, maintain and gain weight is attributed to the body’s metabolic processes. It is measured by the basal metabolic rate. Metabolism also regulates body heat and energy levels. A person who finds it difficult to lose weight usually has slow metabolism. Those who struggle to gain weight have fast metabolism.

What is Fast Metabolism?
A body with fast metabolism demands more nutrients to keep it functioning. Metabolism can be influenced by diet, trauma or surgery, stress, diseases and genes. Those who have fast metabolism are usually underweight. While this may sound attractive to those who struggle with keeping their weight, it causes health problems too. They are also often called out for not eating enough food and having eating disorders even if they eat five proper meals everyday.

What are the Effects?
The body is burning off energy faster than normal so besides retaining fat in the body, the person will also find it difficult to promote muscle growth. Women will have irregular menstruation because the cycle will be disrupted for lack of nutrients.

There is also a tendency to overeat. Some will rely on fatty food, sugar, fried food and processed food to compensate for their body’s fast metabolism because those are slower to break down. But eating too much of those types of food can lead to other diseases.

What are the Other Causes?
Hard gainers might also be suffering from any one of the following problems: thyroid problems, eating disorders, diabetes, cancer, infections, and Celiac disease.

If you have lost weight significantly in a short span of time, you should seek medical help immediately.

How do I Gain Weight?
Make sure that you are not suffering from other illnesses before you start on a diet plan. Go for a check-up to eliminate other causes.

If you are underweight, your goal should be to gain subcutaneous fat and muscle mass the healthy way. If your body mass index is normal, you may also want to consider gaining some weight. Ask your doctor about supplements to help you. Pick a diet with healthy protein, fats and carbohydrates. Protein-rich food include meat, eggs, fish, legumes, nuts and dairy products. Energy-rich food include grains, tubers, fats and oils, and dark chocolate.

The doctor might also advise weight training but this should be done with supervision. Don’t worry if you still look thin as long as you are not underweight. Remember that your body mass index should be greater than 18.5.