Healthy Weight Gain Tips

Many people are getting into weight gain because they believe that this is one
of the fastest ways to have a fit and sexy body once they exercise regularly.
However, there are instances that people cannot wait so they resort to various
means of gaining weight without realizing that it can be unhealthy for them. If
you are one of those who can't wait to gain weight, here are some healthy weight
tips for you:

1. Add up on calories. Since calories are the building blocks of muscles and
the primary course of a person's energy, people who are looking forward to gain
weight should increase their calorie intake. Studies show that people who want
fast weight gain should add up 1,000 or more extra calories but this cannot be
health for everyone especially to those who are used to eating a little or to
those who have been into dieting.

For starters, adding up 500 extra calories would do you good and it can be
increased when proper adjustments have already been done. (REMINDER: Always
read the nutrition facts label of food to see its calorie content per serving.
This information guide can be seen at the top section of the packaged food.

2. Load up on snacks all throughout the day. Eating snacks -- especially those
that are high in calories, carbohydrates, and protein -- often during the day
can help you gain weight the healthy way because this prepares your body for a
larger amount of food during full course meals.

3. Always opt for foods that have higher calorie content. As mentioned,
calories help people double up their body mass. If you are really into gaining
weight the fast and healthy way, always choose the foods that have the highest
calorie content more often.

4. Increase your food intake. Experts say that people who are looking forward
to gain weight the safe and healthy way should try eating larger portions of
foods during meal time. For those who are "little eaters," it is best not to
force yourself to eat large portions because you might vomit or be full in an
instant. What you can do is to eat smaller meals but double up your eating
schedule and eat foods that have the highest content of calories.

5. Don't eat foods with saturated fats. Calories contain fats but it doesn't
mean that you should consume all the foods that have calorie content even if
they have saturated fats. Studies show that saturated fats can make a person
more prone to increased cholesterol condition and other illnesses and
conditions relate to saturated fats.

(REMINDER: Always choose foods that don't only have high calorie content but
nutritious and healthy as well. Always opt for fruits, vegetables, meats, and
other poultry products. Avoid consuming dairy and other whole-milk products,
skin or chicken, sausage and bacon, butter, sour cream, and meats with high-fat
as well as majority of the snack foods available in major supermarkets and
groceries nationwide.

Always stay healthy

These healthy weight gain tips do not promise the same result to everyone since
people have their innate genetic build up. What they should do is to visit their
physicians first and ask for a thorough examination to ensure that they are fit
enough to gain some weight.

If they are fit, the physician will also guide the person on the kinds of foods
that he or she should eat to ensure one's health.

The Dangers of Rapid Weight Gain

Generally, gain weight is seen as a positive thing for a person especially is
he or she has been recovering from a certain medical condition or illness. But,
this increase in body mass is not always considered as positive or good
especially if the person is having a rapid weight gain.As defined, rapid weight
gain refers to the excessive gaining of weight in a short period of time.

Although it is not always alarming especially if it is caused by overeating due
to holidays or vacations or pregnancy which makes women prone to gaining weight,
rapid weight gain should be one of the things that people should pay attention
to.

Why? Because this drastic change in weight gain can be a bad indicator of
health or can be an indicator of an impending sickness. What causes rapid
weight gain?Aside from the possibility of pregnancy or just gaining weight
through overeating, experts say that people who are experiencing rapid weight
gain should seek professional or medical help as soon as possible.

Experts say that when people who are suffering from rapid weight gain should go
to a doctor for a consultation the soonest possible time, chances are, they have
better fighting chances of the impending health condition.

To most people, rapid weight gain does not only cause them great discomfort but
physical and emotional stress as well because they are always thinking of what
causes their condition. The following are just some of the causes of rapid
weight gain:

1. Rapid weight gain can be caused by a serious health condition. Studies show
that rapid weight gain -- that is not caused by pregnancy or overeating -- can
be an indicator of serious illnesses that involve the endocrine system as well
as the heart and lungs of a person.

2. It may indicate perilous retention in the body's fluids. This is very
dangerous for the person because he or she might experience fluctuations in the
body fluids which can be hard to sustain and monitor.

3. Rapid weight gain can be sign of imbalance in body's nutrients. This is the
very common reason why people gain weight. Since they don't eat the standard
size of food servings every meal, the level of the nutrients in the body tends
to fluctuate. But, if the person does not have drastic changes in eating
patterns and his or her weight goes up suddenly or without apparent reason,
chances are, he or she needs medical attention as soon as possible.

4. This can be caused by thyroid problems. If the thyroid get active than its
usual rate, then, rapid weight gain will follow. This is because the thyroid
has the ability to control the amount of food intake through satiety levels of
the person. Once it is overactive, chances are, it cannot perform its normal
functions and will lead to certain conflicts in the person's physiological
state.

If there is a suspicion that weight gain is caused by a thyroid problem, the
person should seek medical attention as soon as possible so he or she can be
given proper medications to control the thyroid.

5. Rapid weight gain can also be caused by certain food allergies. When a
person has allergic reactions to certain foods, things, or smell, he or she can
exhibit various body responses such as developing rashes and irregular
breathing. In others, the manifestation of these allergies may result to rapid
weight gain.

To avoid rapid weight gain caused by allergies, it is always best to be
informed about the things that have allergens so you will not have to suffer
form gaining too much weight.

Helpful Weight Gain Tips

Weight gain is one of the most popular means of getting fit these days. This is
because gaining weight can be a good indicator of robust health as well as of
the person's positive outlook in life.

For those who want to continue gaining weight to achieve their purpose of
sustaining health and achieving a fit body through rigorous workouts, here are
some weight gain tips that can help you reach your goal.

1. Have a well balanced diet on your menu. Choosing the right foods is very
essential for gaining weight because these are the sources of nutrients,
vitamins, and minerals that will enter the body. To be abele to gain weight
safe and easy, people should load up on calories. They should increase their
calorie intake so they will have much more to burn during physical activities.

Wide range of healthy foods that can be included in the diet are vegetables,
fruits, beans, nuts, whole wheat grains, lean meats, seafood, poultry products
as well as some dairy products. Keep in mind that food -- no matter what they
are -- can add up to your weight. But not all can be healthy for you such as
some processed foods that contain saturated fats and bad cholesterol.

2. Get into regular physical activities such as workouts and exercise. Gaining
weight is not just about eating, it also about building the muscles to keep
them healthy and firm.

Muscle-strengthening and fat-burning routines are best for those who are just
starting to weight gain because these exercises determine how slow or fast can
you burn whatever you are eating. To be able to gain weight fast yet safe,
always to workouts or other exercises religiously to ensure that your muscles
will not sag once you have gained weight by increasing your food intake. If you
are already ready for a higher notch, do some variations on your exercise or ask
the gym instructor to create a program for you if you are enrolled in any
fitness class.

3. Don't force yourself. Although increase in food intake -- especially in
calorie-intake is recommended by experts -- you cannot not always force
yourself to bite more that you can chew. When it comes to increase in
calorie-intake, people who are gaining weight are recommended to consume at
least 300 to 500 calories daily. If you are not much of an eater, you can still
load up on calories by adding some of its sources to your usual meals of the
day. Opt for a diet that has grains and beans on it to preserve your energy for
the rigorous workout.

4. If possible, keep the length of your under an hour. This is probably one of
the most effective weight gain tips out there because it ensures that the body
is getting the toning without too much stress. Experts agree that short yet
intense and thorough workout routine will work best because you can concentrate
on specific areas of the body.

When it comes to variations, choose those that promote fast muscle build up
such as dead lifts, squats, bench presses, pull ups, barbell rows, as well as
bar dips. If you keep your exercises and other routines shorter, you will not
burn out easily.

The tendency of this is that it encourages your body to come back for a series
of short yet intense exercises because it does not feel too much pressure and
fatigue.

Effective Weight Gain Supplements

Although weight loss has been the trend in the past few years, more and more
people are now getting into gaining weight because they can easily achieve the
body that they want. They believe that once they gain weight, they can have
firmer muscles through a set of rigorous exercise. However, gaining weight is
not as easy as it may seem to others that is why they resort to weight gain
supplements.

Just like other supplements, weight gain supplements are used by people to give
their bodies support during the rigorous process of gaining weight. For other
users, weight gain supplements serve as a complementary to the program they are
enrolled in just to gain weight.

If you are one of those people who are getting tired of waiting just to gain
weight, here are some weight gain supplements that can help you gain weight
fast and easy. They can be found in the fitness areas of supermarkets, in
healthy options stores, as well as in various fitness centers that offer weight
gain programs. Although some of these weight gain supplements are proven to show
positive results, always be careful in buying one because you might not get the
worth of your money on it.

1. Weight gainers. These refers to drinks such as "protein shakes" that is
primarily composed of whey which is a rich source of protein. Aside from whey,
other weight gainers also include proteins coming from milk and other poultry
products along with high levels of carbohydrate content that comes in the form
of "maltodextrin" which is a complex carbohydrate that has high glycemic
content. These are very helpful for those who want to gain weight fast because
they are pure sources of calories needed to build muscles fast.

2.Creatine. This is a weight gain supplement that promises results as early as
two weeks. A metabolite product by the body consisting of important weight
gaining amino acids, creatine is preferred by more and more people who looking
forward to gain weight because it has the ability to regenerate ATP, which is
the body's ultimate energy source.

3.L-glutamine. This is known as the most abundant amino acid that is present in
a person's muscle cells. When taken in a form of capsule of tablet, L-glutamine
can give protection to your muscles during rigorous workouts and can also
enhance your immune system to make it more susceptible to increase body mass.

4.Liver tablets. With beef liver as its primary source, liver tablets are used
by many people as one of their favorite weight gain supplements because they
can be easy to use. With regular intake of liver tablets that contain the
highest and purest grade of protein, you can gain weight in no time.

5.Testosterone boosting supplements. Experts say that this is one of those
weight gain supplements that would best work on adults especially to those who
are into bodybuilding.

Testosterone boosting supplements are perfect for those people 25 years or
above because there is lesser possibility of hormonal imbalance. People who are
less than 25 years of age should stay away from these types of weight gain
supplements because their body cannot fight off its possible side effects.

Teenagers are also advised to veer away from these types of weight gain
supplements because these can greatly affect their hormonal growth and balance.

Causes of Unexplained Weight Gain

Unexplained weight gain happens when people undergo or experience substantial
accumulation of added pounds that cannot be attributed to dieting or
overeating. This can actually happen both ways, unexplained weight changes can
either see one losing or gaining a considerable amount of weight. For both
cases, there may be certain factors involved.

Unexplained weight gain usually happens when people consumes more calories that
they can use. This can be brought about by overeating but also through other
means such as lack of physical activity, hormonal changes as well as mood
swings. It would be easy if the weight gain can be attributed to one's diet
that usually is composed of too much calories that the body can use for energy.
This leads the body to convert the excess calories into fat cells and store it
up in the body for later use, thus resulting in weight gain.

But there are instances that weight gain cannot be directly attributed to one's
diet or overeating. Some people undergo weight changes even though they try to
follow the same diet routine for the longest time to maintain their weight.
Unexplained weight gain in this case can be attributed other means. Some may be
caused by some underlying illness or disorder. Some can also be caused by
changes that happen in the body or changes in lifestyles. Here are some of the
known causes of unintentional or unexplained weight gain in people.

Aging People going through aging may experience some gradual decrease in their
metabolism. This decreases the body's capacity to burn calories more
efficiently which results in an excess of calories which the body converts to
fat for later use. The low metabolism brought about by aging may be a cause of
weight gain for people above the age of 35. Elderly people may also experience
bouts of weight loss since aging may also bring about loss of appetite.

Pregnancy and menstruation In the part of women, unexplained weight gain may be
caused by one's menstrual cycle or pregnancy. The hormonal changes that happen
during a woman's menstruation may cause her to gain some weight. In a similar
way, a pregnant woman may also experience adding up some weight which is
natural with the development of the fetus inside the womb.

Tumors Some tumors may also be the cause of unexplained weight gain. There are
some tumors, especially those that release large amounts of serotonin and other
substances may also bring about unexplained weight gain in people who may have
them. Most of these weight gain causing tumors are those usually located in the
bile duct, pancreas, intestinal tract, the lungs or the ovaries.

Medication Some types of medication may also help in causing unexplained weight
gain in people. Certain medications such as cannabinoids, corticosteroids,
insulin, sulfonylureas, and antipsychotics may contribute to weight gain in
people who are using them for treatment. People using such medication are
advised to talk with their doctors first before halting their treatment because
of the unexplained weight gain. Abruptly stopping some of these medications may
prove to be dangerous.

Lifestyle Changes Some lifestyle changes may also be the cause of some
unexplained weight gain in people. Most notable of these changes is when one
quits smoking. Quitting smoking would eventually see a person gaining a bit of
weight due to the changes happening inside the body brought about by quitting a
bad habit such as smoking.

Hormonal Changes and Menopausal Weight Gain

Menopausal weight gain seems to be a great concern for women as they age. It
seems that gaining some weight during this period in life seems inevitable.
Some women may even be puzzled as to why they seem to pile up weight even
though they eat the same amount of food. There are many reasons for this.

Women go through menopausal weight gain because their body is going through
changes during menopause. The reason for the weight gain may stem fro the
hormones themselves. During menopause, normal estrogen levels in the body seem
to go down. Estrogen is the female sex hormone that is responsible for a
woman's monthly ovulation.

Low estrogen levels during menopause causes the female body to stop ovulating.
As the ovaries of the woman produce less estrogen, her body tries to look for
other means to get its estrogen supply. One of the means that the body can be
supplied with the estrogen hormone is through the fat cells. So the body tries
to convert as much of the calories it is supplied with into fat to be able to
produce the much needed estrogen. Unfortunately, the fat cells are not as
effective in burning calories as much as muscles do. This causes women to pack
up additional pounds.

Progesterone is another hormone that may be the cause of weight gain during
menopause. Just like estrogen, women undergoing menopause also experience their
body's progesterone levels go down. This causes weight gain on women on a
different way. Low levels of progesterone in the body are associated with water
retention and bloating, giving one the appearance of getting bigger and heavier.
But this effect usually only happens for a short time and will disappear in just
a few months.

Another hormone that may be responsible for weight gain during menopause is the
male sex hormone androgen. Menopause brings about an increase of androgen levels
in women. This hormone becomes responsible for sending the gained weight into
the abdominal area or the middle section of the body. This is the reason why
weight gain during menopause is also referred to as the "middle age spread".

Another hormone that may be responsible for weight gain during menopause is
testosterone. This hormone helps the body to create lean muscle mass out of the
calories that the body takes in. Muscle cells are better at burning calories
than fat cells and helps in increasing the body's metabolism. During menopause,
the level of this hormone drops which then results in a gradual loss of muscle.
This also means that metabolism in the body slows down, causing the body to
burn calories slower.

Women become frustrated and concerned when they suddenly find themselves
gaining weight during menopause. No matter how careful they are on maintaining
their eating habits and even adding up a dose of exercise into their daily
habit, they still can't seem to maintain their weight. Women must understand
that it is because of the changes in the body during menopause that makes
maintaining their weight even more difficult. Losing weight even becomes a more
challenging undertaking than ever before.

Women must remember that it is not entirely their fault that they are gaining
weight during this stage in their life. Menopausal weight gain is a normal
occurrence due to the fluctuations in the hormone levels in the body. These
hormones will also have a big impact on one's appetite and the body's ability
to metabolize calories and store fats.

The better that women understand what goes on with their bodies during
menopause, the less frustrated they can become when faced with weight gain.

Effectivity of Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator

Pregnancy is indeed one of the best things that can happen to any woman. This 
is because it is through conceiving a child can the woman feel her worth as 
caring and doting mother to the future baby. Although nothing can amount the 
feeling of fulfillment brought by motherhood, many women are quite hesitant 
to get into it because they are afraid of gaining too much weight. To help 
women from panicking over the amount of weight they can gain during pregnancy, 
people came out with a tool that can estimate a pregnant woman's weight 
gain -- the pregnancy weight gain calculator. 

How this educated guess works

The pregnancy weight gain calculator is one of the tools where pregnant women 
rely when it comes to the amount of weight they should expect during this stage 
at their lives. Experts say that weight gain during pregnancy varies to every 
woman. If fact, when it comes to pregnancy, no two women gain the exact same 
weight even if they have the same height, weight, and overall physical frame. 
This is because their bodies go through a lot of hormonal changes which makes 
it hard to compare their weight gain during pregnancy. To give women -- who are 
quite conscious about their weight gain during pregnancy -- a pregnancy weight 
calculator is used to give them an educated guess how heavy they can get during 
and even after the pregnancy. The calculator -- which can be used by accessing 
various pregnancy websites -- can give pregnant women a general and basic guide 
how much weight they can gain and how to adjust to these bodily changes. In 
using the pregnancy weight gain calculator, the pregnant woman's current height 
and weight should be taken into consideration. The woman's normal weight and 
height prior to her pregnancy should also be recorded. These pieces of 
information are very important because her weight and height before conceiving 
can determine the range of weight gain she can expect.

Here's a step-by-step procedure of using it the pregnancy weight gain 
calculator: 

1. Look for a reliable website. This is very important because the website can 
give you not just an educated guess about you weight gain but can also provide 
you important information on coping up with weight gain during pregnancy. 
Reliable websites may include parenting sites as well as pregnancy sites 
especially constructed for expecting women. 

2. Start estimating your weight gain. This can be done by providing information
such as height (in inches) and weight (in pounds) before your pregnancy.
Usually, measurements required are feet and inches (metric) and pounds or
kilograms. Through a pregnancy weight gain calculator, you can get not just an
estimated weight gain for single pregnancy but for double, triple, or quadruple
pregnancies as well. 

3. Enter the number of months of pregnancy. You can do this by simple clicking 
the number of months you have been pregnant.

4. Wait for the calculation. Once all the needed information have been entered, 
the pregnancy weight gain calculator will then do the processing and will give 
you the result or estimation in less than a minute. Although estimating the 
weight that can be gained during pregnancy can be fun using a pregnancy weight 
gain calculator is fun, pregnant women should not rely on it 100 percent. This 
is because their weight gain may vary depending on the type of pregnancy they 
are having. To ensure a healthy and safe pregnancy, it is always best to get a 
regular check up with an ob-gyne.

Nutrition Diets and Bodybuilding Can Help You Gain Weight

Most people go to the gym to lose weight. But did you know that you can do the
exact opposite? Yes you can with a little help of a nutrition-based diet and
some body building.

A nutrition-based diet is not composed of junk or greasy food. What you have to
do is play it smart by eating products which contain healthy fats like omega 3
fatty acids which are commonly found in flax, tuna, salmon and walnuts.

You will also need to increase your protein intake from things like lean meat,
nuts, poultry products, legumes and seeds. To top it off, you will also need
carbohydrates that can be found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Another
thing you will have to do is eat five to six meals per day instead of the eating
three large ones.

Aside from food, there are protein foods and supplements drinks available which
you can add during any time of the day. Since they come in different flavors,
you can choose your favorite one from the store, add some water and then serve.

Some people even add a small amount of flax seed oil and psyllium powder so
they also get some omega 3 fatty acids into their system.

Now that you have worked the eating part, now it is time to work on body
building. Resistance training forces the muscles in your body to work harder
and as a result increases your muscle size. Some examples are aerobics,
cycling, running and weight lifting which can be done of course if you have the
equipment at home or if you are a member of a gym.

Exercising is ideally done for 20 minutes but those who want to sweat it out
and gain weight should try to work out between 1 to 2 hours every other day.

Since it takes some time for your muscles to recover after a workout, you
should make sure to give it time to rest. It may take some time to gain the
ideal weight you want if you are underweight so just be patient because the
right nutrition diet and body building program will soon make you reach the
goal weight.

Once you do reach the ideal weight, the challenge now is maintaining it. This
is done by monitoring your calorie intake. There are books about this as well
as information online which you can download to help you calculate how much of
a certain food you can eat per day.

The mistake some people make that gets them off track is adding some unhealthy
foods the diet such as chicken nuggets, French fries and fish sticks. You
should eat smart and go for baked chicken, potatoes or fish. If you want, make
the portion a little bit bigger.

Each meal should consist of protein and 2 to three servings of vegetables
preferably the green kind that has a lot of vitamins and phytonutrients.

As for refreshments, don't forget to drink lots of water to replenish what you
lost during a workout. Milk and fruit juices are also good. You must avoid
sodas since it only adds calories and has no nutritional value.

For the weight program, work with a trainer first who can help you achieve your
objective by making the program and then all you have to do is follow it. You
can probably add more weight later on in the barbells or dumbbells when you
don't find it that challenging as before.

Can You Reduce Menopausal Weight Gain

Women between the ages of 35 and 55 will soon experience menopause. It is not a
disease but rather a phase in life where the female will no longer be able to
conceive a child. One of the symptoms associated with this phase is weight
gain. In fact, 90% of women will gain a few extra pounds which are not a direct
result of overeating but rather a shift in your hormones.

Those who are already going through with menopause will probably notice a
change in their physical body shape. Majority will gain between 10 to 15 pounds
but this will not happen overnight. It will happen gradually like one or two
pounds per year during premenopause and a little faster for those who are in
early and surgical menopause.

The areas where you will see a physical change will be in the abdomen thus
making you look fat when you look at yourself in the mirror. Again, this is not
your fault but a fact of life because there are also already fluctuations in
your hormones.

To explain this further, you have to understand that hormones do not only
affect our behavior but also have a direct impact on our appetite, fat storage
and metabolism.

Females have four hormones namely androgen, estrogen, progesterone and
testosterone. The first one namely androgen is the one that puts that excess
weight around your abdomen. This happens because when you reach androgen, your
body produces more of this hormone causing you to gain weight here rather than
your hips, thigh or rear.

Estrogen is the hormone responsible for your monthly ovulation. When you reach
menopausal age, the level of estrogen that is produced by the body decreases.
Because of this, your ovaries need a source of estrogen so it taps your fat
cells that have the ability to make this happen. This forces the body to
convert calories into fat but since your fat cells are unable to burn calories
like your muscles do when you work out, this also causes you pack a few extra
pounds.

Another hormone that will also decrease during menopause is your progesterone
levels. This causes water retention and bloating. The only good news is that
this usually disappears after a few months.

Testosterone is the one that converts lean muscle mass out of the calories you
take in from eating. During menopause, this level also drops thus resulting in
the loss of this muscle. This will slow down your metabolism thus making it
difficult to burn the food you ingested and it too causes weight gain.

Other factors that may cause weight gain during menopause could be attributed
to insulin resistance and stress. Insulin resistance occurs when the body
converts every calorie into fat. Stress can also make this happen as the body
stores calories instead of burning as its way of saving on energy.

So how will you be able to reduce menopausal weight gain? A lot of experts
believe that this will be difficult but not impossible. The most obvious is
eating a balanced diet. You will have to give up food products that contain
refined sugars and switch it to fruits and vegetables. You should also cut back
on alcohol, caffeine and nicotine.

As much as possible try to stay active by exercising regularly. Examples of
these could be aerobics, cycling, jogging, running and walking that will
increase muscle mass and prevent osteoporosis.

The Beauty of Pregnancy Weight Gain

Aside from the overall condition of the fetus inside the womb, one of the major
things that stress women when they are conceiving is pregnancy weight gain. This
is because they are so afraid to gain so much weight and be among those women
who are suffering from a condition called obesity.

Women who have babies in their wombs cannot be blamed for worrying too much
over pregnancy weight gain because the society largely contributes to this
thinking. In fact, with all the commercialization and hype on weight loss,
women -- even if those who are pregnant -- are tempted to cut down on their
weight so the people in the society won't ridicule them.

Today, some studies show that more and more pregnant women are trying to
regulate their food intake. They do this because they don't want to be fat
without thinking that it could severely affect the condition of the baby inside
the womb.

Experts say that pregnant women -- regardless of their condition -- should
always stay healthy throughout the duration of pregnancy. Being healthy does
not only entails having a positive outlook in life but also good eating habits
to supply the nutrients needed both by the mother and the baby.

Why weight gain during pregnancy?

Doctors say that that number one reason why pregnant women should gain weight
is to support the nutritional needs of the growing fetus inside her. Since food
intake is the number one source of all nutrition in the body, pregnant women
should keep on eating especially during the first few months of pregnancy to
provide al the nutrients needed by the baby.

Aside from supplying all the nutritional needs of the fetus, weight gain also
indicates that the mother is healthy enough to carry on with the pregnancy.

Experts agree that the weight of the woman before the pregnancy does not matter
once the first trimester rushes in. It means that no matte how light or heavy
you are, you still need to gain weight when you are pregnant.

Medical findings prove that women who are overweight during pregnancy still
need to gain weight with at least 20 pounds. Women who are underweight are
advised to gain more, ranging from 20-40. These figures are ideal for women who
are having single babies.

For those who are expecting two or more, they need to gain much more weight in
order to provide the needs of the growing babies.

Pregnancy weight gain is very important for this special period in time because
it will benefit the baby a lot. Aside from providing him or her nutrients needed
through the foods that you eat, it also ensures their overall health once they
come out in this world. Studies show that pregnant women who did not gain
weight during conceiving are mothers to small and sickly babies.

For pregnant women to gain weight the healthy way, they should stick to the
recommended number of calorie-intake which is 400 to 500 daily.

They should also be mindful about what they eat and how often they eat. During
the early stages of pregnancy, pregnant women are allowed to eat almost
anything they want to. But, as the pregnancy progresses, some foods are
prohibited for pregnant women because these contain ingredients which can be
harmful to the baby such as caffeine in coffee and in other drinks, alcohol and
beverages with alcohol content, as well as cigarette smoking because it may
cause mental problems to the baby.

Aside from eating healthy foods, pregnancy weight gain can also be achieved by
performing a list of exercise regularly to keep the muscles fit and firm.

Gain Weight During Pregnancy

Gain weight during pregnancy is one of the most dreaded scenarios of women who
are so figure conscious. And why not worry? Aside from the pains and major
intellectual, emotional, physical and financial adjustments pregnant women
should go through, they still have to worry how pregnancy would ruin the years
they spent to achieve their figure right now.

But, no matter how frightening or alarming that thought of weight gain during
pregnancy is, gaining weight is inevitable. These findings are supported not
just by researchers in the field of science but also by some pediatricians,
obstetricians and other those who know the real pains of pregnancy.

The importance of weight gain during pregnancy Experts say that weight gain
during pregnancy is inevitable because the hormonal change in a woman's body
triggers it. Studies show that when women are conceiving, there are drastic
changes in their hormonal levels that increase their appetite. Aside from
hormonal changes, women gain weight during pregnancy because they tend to eat a
lot in order to supply the nutrients needed by the growing fetus.

Providing food and nutrients for the baby inside the womb, experts say, is the
main advantage of weight gain during pregnancy. Aside from supplying nutrients
to the fetus by eating a wide range of nutritious foods, gaining weight during
pregnancy will also help the woman to protect her back from the belly that
grows heavier by the month. Weight gain pregnancy is very important during the
early stages of conception because it will help the woman to adjust to the
major changes in her body.

But, too much weight during pregnancy -- especially at the latter stages -- can
also be a disadvantage because it may lead to diabetes mellitus, a condition
wherein there is too much sugar in the blood caused by large amounts of
starches and other sources of sugar from foods. For you to know the how weight
gain during pregnancy can be beneficial to you, make sure that you visit your
ob-gyne right away.

Today, studies say that women should go to ob-gynes even before they conceive
to ensure that proper monitoring will be done. If you visit the doctor as early
as possible, there is a bigger possibility of a healthier pregnancy because you
get the right amount of information and guidance that you need.

During you ob-gyne visit, she or he can tell you how much weight you should
gain during your pregnancy, how will it affect your body and you overall
health, as well as of your baby, what kind of foods you should and shouldn't be
eating, how can gaining weight help your pregnancy to be easier and less
stressful or painful, and how can you get rid of the weight you have gained
during this stage.

Ideally, the weight a woman should gain during pregnancy should depend on her
height and current weight or the total body mass index of her body. Once this
has been determined, proper calculation will be done to ensure that you would
gain just the right amount of weight during pregnancy.

Ideally, women who are slightly overweight should still gain at least 10 to 15
pounds while women who are underweight should gain more weight, at least 20 to
40 pounds to ensure that her body can supply enough nutrients for the child
inside. Weight gain during pregnancy should also depend on the type of
pregnancy that the woman has.

For single pregnancy, the mentioned weight gain standards should apply. But for
those who are having double, triple, or quadruple pregnancies, more weight gain
is needed to ensure that that babies will get the same amount of nutrients just
like the others.

Effects of Weight Gain

There seems to be some effects that happen in the body before and after weight
gain. It may have something to do with the way that blood flows through the
body. But that is putting it simply. There was a recent study about how
substantial weight gain in people may affect certain functions that concern the
efficient blood flow in the body.

In a research report provided by the world renowned Mayo Clinic in the US,
researchers have discovered that substantial weight gain may cause some
impairment on endothelial function. The aim of the study was to learn about the
effects of weight gain and subsequent weight loss to the endothelial function.
Endothelial cells in the body can be found lining up the blood vessels. When
they are not functioning properly, these cells can obstruct blood flow. This
may eventually lead to a person suffering from a heart attack or stroke.

According to the study, a weight gain of nine to ten pounds in lean healthy
young adults may be enough to impair endothelial function. This is considered
to be an important finding since endothelial dysfunction is a known predictor
of heart attacks and stroke. Its association with weight gain was not
previously known.

The Mayo Clinic study was the first controlled, randomized and blinded trial
that was undertaken to evaluate the effects of weight gain and the subsequent
weight loss on endothelial function. The study consisted of getting a group of
43 lean and healthy volunteers with an average body mass index of between 18.5
and 24.9. The body mass index is a statistical measurement of a person's weight
in relation to height. The average age of the volunteers was 29, with 42 percent
of them being women. All the volunteers in the group were not taking any type of
medication during the study and were non-smokers.

The volunteer group went through a weight maintenance period supervised by an
experienced dietician. During this period, the volunteers were randomly
selected to either gain weight or maintain weight. 35 of the volunteers went
into the weight gaining groups while the rest made up the weight maintaining
group.

During the course of the study, the 35 volunteers gained weight for up to nine
pounds or four kilograms. Their endothelial functions were then measured by
means of ultrasound on the large vessel in the upper arm called the brachial
artery. The measurements were done at the same time early in the morning and
under various flow conditions.

For the weight gainers, measurements of the endothelial function was done at
the start of the study, eight weeks after gaining weight and then 16 weeks
after weight loss. The other group was measured at the start of the study and
then eight weeks later for follow-up.

During the said study, the weight gainers put on an average of four kilos of
weight which also increased their visceral and subcutaneous fat in the body.
The flow measurements at the brachial artery from the weight gainers showed
gradual decrease with the addition of weight.

But when the subjects went through the period of losing the weight they have
gained during the study, the flow levels improved and eventually returned to
the levels measured at the start of the study. This goes to show that
endothelial function in the body may be affected before and after weight gain.

How To Put Weight Gain On Women

Have you ever been told that you are too skinny or just underweight? Surely,
you have heard some people joke about it behind your back or you may have said
that about someone. But it's not their fault that they are underweight.
Sometimes, it's in the genes or they are simply not eating right. If poor
eating habits are the culprit, the good news is that you can help yourself or
that person.

The first thing you to do is step back and think about what you are eating
regularly. Are they healthy? Does it have any nutritional value at all? If
there is none, then remove it and replace these with what experts deem as
nutritional.

There are three things to keep in mind when we want to eat healthy. This is the
number of carbohydrates, fats and proteins that the body is ingesting. None of
these come from junk food so if you want to know what the right ones are, read
on further.

Carbohydrates can be compared to gasoline as this is what gives us energy.
Without it, the body will have to find a new source of energy by tapping into
fats and proteins that will not help you gain weight but rather lose it. You
get carbohydrates from fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Fat is also needed and the healthiest around is omega 3 fatty acids because
this is not produced by the body. You can get this from eating fish and other
marine life. It has also be found in nuts and certain vegetables.

Protein is what the body uses to produce hormones, body chemicals and helps
repair damaged tissue. You can find this lean meat, poultry and vegetables.

Now that you know what the three important essentials are, it is time to make a
plan. A dietitian can help in the beginning but one thing you have to learn is
how to monitor the number of calories you take in from these products.

Each one has a corresponding calorie count which you can look up in books or
online. By calculating how much you need daily and then distributing this
during the different meals of the day, you are able to practice good nutrition.

Also, instead of eating three full meals a day, it is better to divide it into
5 or 6 smaller meals so you never feel overstuffed. Each one should consist of
a main dish with 2 or 3 side orders consisting of different vegetables.

Enough about food. Now its time to talk about proper exercise. The type of
exercise program for you depends on your physical condition which is why you
have to see a doctor first who will be able to say which is safe for you to try.

If you are in good shape, then you can try aerobics, cycling, jogging, running
or walking. You simply have to get a good pair of shoes and do this at home or
sign up in the gym. While you are there, you can also check what other
anaerobic exercises similar to those mentioned can help you gain weight.

Eventually, you or the friend you have helped will attain their ideal weight.
But you shouldn't stop there. You must be able to maintain it by continuing
your routine as you may lose weight again or gain too much making you
overweight.

Is it easy? No, it will take some hard work and dedication since its up to you
whether you still want to be underweight.

How to Gain Weight?

People -- especially those who are very thin for their frame, age, and height
-- are learning how gain weight. For them, this weight gain would indicate that
they are doing something to improve not just their physical built but their
health as well. Aside from being an indicator of good health, fitness, and
eating a well balanced diet, weight gain would also serves an indicator for a
person's overall improvement in his or her outlook in life. Although in most
cases, weight gain is an indicator of good health, it can also serve as an
indicator if negligence especially if there are signs of obesity.

Experts say that there are basically two reasons why people are learning how to
gain weight. One is to achieve a fit and fabulous perfect for bodybuilding
contests and other fitness events and the other is for health reasons. Today,
more and more studies show that people are into weight gain because they want
to ensure that they will have good health as they grow older. If you want to
learn how to gain weight, there are so many resource materials that you can
use. If you are knowledgeable about fitness, you can even do it on your own.

All you have to do is research for information that you can use. These pieces
of information will serve as your guide. But, if you don't have time to
research and monitor the activities and set of diet that you need to do to be
able to gain weight, you can enroll in various fitness centers that offers
program for those who want to increase their weight.The following are just some
of the helpful tips that you can use if you are learning how to gain weight:

1. Make sure that you eat foods that are nutritious and those that have high
calorie content. Experts say that this is the most basic lesson people who are
looking forward to weight gain should take note of.

This is because foods -- especially those that are high in calories such as
breads that have whole grains, high in fiber such as potatoes and other
vegetables, fruits that are high in fat content such as avocado, nuts that
contain fats like kidney beans, meats that are lean, and poultry products as
well fish and other seafood.

2. Eat more often. Aside from knowing what are the foods that you should be
eating, you should be very well aware of your meal schedule. Since gaining
weight requires more calories and other nutrients for muscle formation, make
sure that you increase the value of your meals to gain more calories. Aside
from the foods that you should be eating for your main meals, try to add
ingredients to the foods that you are eating.

3. Don't skip meals. Since you are tying to gain some more weight, it is a
no-no that you skip any meal because your body will use up your reserved fats.
Make sure that you have a timetable for so you will eat on time. (TIP: The
ideal meal schedule is at least three heavy meals and two snacks for the day.
If you are planning to gain more weight, you can double the amount during meals
but make sure that you stick to your schedule.

4. Be consistent. Just like in losing weight, people who are learning how to
gain weight should bear in mind that they have to be consistent in their meal
schedules. Once you have your own program in gaining weight, make sure that you
follow it religiously so you can achieve your desired weight.

Best Supplements to Gain Weight

In the world of gaining weight, people are always in debates what are the best
supplements to gain weight fast, easy, and healthy. There are those who stick
to the traditional routines such as workouts and proper diet while there are
also those that rely on more conventional ways such as the use of weight gain
supplements to ensure that they are getting what they need to gain some more
weight.

Experts say that both ways -- the traditional and the conventional ways --
could work if a person really wants for gain weight. However, certain
guidelines must be followed religiously to ensure that there will be no
complications in the future.

Why use weight gain supplements?

Before, the only people that are into weight gain supplements are those who are
so much into body building. In fact, majority of the best supplements to gain
available in the market were made especially for those that make bodybuilding
as a life and as a career. These supplements are being used by the bodybuilders
especially if they have upcoming competitions.

But, as time went by, people -- even those who are not into body building --
have been trying various gain weight supplements because they believe that
gaining weight is one of the easiest way to achieve a firm and sexy body. So,
what they do is take up some of the best supplements for weight gain and enroll
to a gym or fitness center that offer rigorous workouts.

Through regular workout and physical activities, people who have gained weight
can lose some the way they want it to be.

If you are one of those who are looking forward to gaining weight to achieve
the society's ideal physique, then you should try using weight gain
supplements. Weight gain supplements are those that being use by people to
complement or boost their weight gain. These may come in forms of beverages,
tablets, and the like.

In the market today, some of the best supplements to gain weight include weight
gainers which are usually protein shakes that provide sufficient supply of
calories in the body, spectrum flaxseed oil which is high in Omega 3 good for
having enough supply of essential fatty acids (EFAs) in the body, multi-vitamin
and mineral packs that helps converts the food to vitamins and minerals readily
absorbed by the body's tissues and hormones, creatine which enables the reuse
of the body's stored energy and shows results as soon as possible.

Glutamine that helps increase a person's muscular volume by enhancing the
immune system, liver tablets came from high grade beef liver which is an
excellent source of protein and healthy fats, and testosterone boosting
supplements that works well for people who are way beyond hormonal production.

Before buying

Experts say that that best supplements to gain weight are those types that can
help a person reach the target calorie intake everyday. To avoid using products
that can cause you side effects in the future, make sure that you:

- Read the label of the supplement thoroughly to ensure that you know that
ingredients from what you are about to take.

- Consult your physician about it before you finally buy and use it to make
sure that you know how much of these supplements should you take.

- Conduct a research what to look for in a weight gain supplement and where to
find the best supplements to gain weight on the market today.

Menopause Weight Gain

Menopause weight gain is one of those stages that most women are afraid of.
This is because weight gain during menopausal does not only indicate that they
are indeed aging but also means that they cannot really control the drastic
changes that their body will go through.

But, women should not sulk into the great pit of depression once they start to
gain weight during menopausal because this does not mean that they are not
doing something for themselves. They should realize that as people --
especially women -- age, their bodies will not have the same function as it did
ten years ago. They should realize that this weight gain caused by menopausal is
really inevitable.

Once they have accepted this fact, it will be easier for them to get out of the
depression and start thinking of ways that can help them minimize the gaining of
weight. Experts say that weight gain is one of the common problems women in
their midlife stages -- those who are in their 40s and 50s -- complain about.
Most of the complaints include the "uncontrollable" bulges in the hips, thighs
and abdomen which can be unsightly of they remain using the clothes they used
to wear.

Although there is nothing much that can be done once weight gain in menopausal
stage rushes in, there are some things that can be done to minimize and totally
prevent it while you are younger. What causes weight gain menopause? To be able
to avoid suffering from too much weight gain caused by menopause, one of the
things that younger women should do is to understand what the reasons behind
this weight gain are.

Once they were able to discover and understand these causes, they can do
something about it. The following are just some of the common reasons that
causes weight gain. Younger women should be very well aware of these causes so
they can plan some ways to avoid gaining weight too much:

1. Less exercise. This is the considered as the number one reason why more and
more women experience menopause weight gain. Studies show that as women age,
they tend to move slower that is why they keep on accumulating fats on specific
areas of their bodies. To avoid menopausal weight gain, younger women or even
those who are in the border line can start increasing their physical activities
by having regular sets of daily exercise and workout that is specially designed
for them.

2. Increased food intake. This is also a major reason why women gain too much
weight during their menopausal stage. Experts say that as women grow older,
their appetite increases which leads to the accumulation of too much calories
which later on becomes fat since they are not able to burn it right away.

3. Inability to burn lesser amounts calories. Studies show that this is also a
great factor that contributes to menopause weight gain since it replaces fat
with calories which are harder to burn. Once the muscles in the body are
replaced with fat, the metabolism will be slower which will lead to deposits of
fats in the body. Women who have menopause weight gain in their family histories
are more prone to this condition.

To avoid suffering from the burdens of menopausal weight gain it is best to
include healthy foods in the diet, having a regular set of physical exercise
and visit the doctor once in a while for a general check up.

Want to Gain Weight Fast?

Many people -- who are basically into bodybuilding and those who want to
sustain their good health -- would want to gain weight fast in order to achieve
their goal as soon as possible. Although it seems that there is nothing wrong in
wanting to gain weight fast, many people don't realize that there could be
dangers especially if they are not guided correctly.

If you are one of those people who are looking forward to gaining weight fast,
it is very important to take note of your actual gain weight just before you
start gaining some more weight. Knowing this fact is very important because it
will help you get started on the right track. Once you know your actual weight,
you can now determine which weight gain program can give you the results that
you want.

Aside from knowing your actual weight, it is also very important to take note
or your height and your body type in order to know how much weight gain is
perfect for you.

Here's how Once you have determined your ideal weight gain by identifying your
actual weight and height, you can now proceed in gaining weight fast, easy, and
safely.

1. Eat. This is the major factor that would contribute a lot to gaining weight
fast. Why, because food is where people get their energies to move around aside
from being the primary source of nutrients, vitamins and minerals needed by the
body. If you want to gain weight fast, it is very important to plan out your
meals carefully to ensure that you will get satisfying results. The most
important thing to remember if you want to gain weight fast is that you have to
load up on calories. And these calories should not come from just about any food
but from those natural sources that will give your body the amount it needs.

It is recommended that people who are gaining weight should double their
calorie intake to ensure that they have enough supply to burn. The ideal
calorie intake should be from 300 to 500 daily -- depending on the appetite and
eating habits of the person. If you don't eat a lot, you can still meet this
calorie requirement by adding up a portion generously to your meals for the day.

To gain weight, you must also increase your meals but make sure that they are
composed of healthy foods such as lean meats, beans, seafoods, poultry
products, fruits and vegetables. You should also drinks lots of fluids such as
water and other juices to replenish what you have lost during workouts.

2. Exercise. Having a regular set of physical activities such as exercise and
workouts can help you gain weight faster because you are building and
strengthening your muscles. The set of exercises that you should focus are
those that promote muscle strengthening such as lifting, squats, bench presses,
and the like. This is very important because it does not only build your muscles
but also helps you in toning them down due to increased food intake.

3. Take some supplements. If you want to gain weight fast, then you should
complement increased food intake and exercise with weight gain supplements.
These supplements play a very crucial role in achieving fast weight gain
because these helps the body to absorb the nutrients from the foods faster and
also help the body to endure physical pains during rigorous sets of workouts
and exercises.

Does Lorazepam Cause Weight Gain

There are many types of anxiety disorders and determining which one is causing
you to behave that way will take time so the proper treatment can be
administered. Medication such as lorazepam may be given since it is a mild
tranquilizer and sedative once it is prescribed by the doctor.

Lorazepam is in a group of drugs called benzodiazepines. The common side
effects for anyone that is prescribed to take Lorazepam include clumsiness or
unsteadiness, dizziness or lightheadedness, drowsiness and slurred speech. In
rare cases, you may also experience abdominal or stomach cramps, blurred
vision, changes in your sex drive, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, headaches,
muscle spasms, nausea, difficulty urinating and vomiting.

Because of the side effects mentioned, patients are advised not to drive,
operate heavy machinery or engage in hazardous activities especially while at
work. They should also not drink and take other medications because it may
cause the person to have a seizure. THIs can be prevented of course by telling
the doctor what other medications you are currently taking.

What they don't tell you is that you will also gain weight as a result of using
this drug. The reason is that you simply feel hungrier and since we eat when we
feel the urge, you consume more than you used to thus adding those extra pounds.

But Lorazepam is not the only drug that causes weight gain for those suffering
from anxiety disorders. Similar drugs that are better known as SSRI's or
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have had the same effect. Examples of
these include Celexa, Lexapro, Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft and Seroril.

The only way to gain control of your weight again is to stop taking the drug.
This is easier said than done as this medication may become habit forming. Some
have become so dependent on it that they use it when it is no longer needed
while others who experience difficulty sleeping, irritability and nervousness
will increase the dosage thinking that this will make them feel better. The
ideal dosage of Lorazepam is between .5 to 2.0 mg two to four times a day.

Sometimes, you may also suffer from confusion, burning or prickly sensations,
increased sense of hearing, increased sensitivity to touch and pain, loss of
sense of reality, mental depression, muscle cramps, profuse sweating, rapid
heartbeat, sensitivity to light and vomiting.

Because lorazepam is addictive, this is only given for a short period of time
and when your condition improves, your doctor will reduce the dosage gradually
to prevent withdrawal. Things only get worse if the patient is suffering from a
severe anxiety disorder which means the length of time that this will be used is
much longer than someone who is experienced a mild anxiety disorder.

The doctor may of course reduce the dosage given if the side effects are severe
and you can only take so much when this is the only way to get better.

There was a time that lorazepam and other drugs that are designed to help
patients with anxiety disorders could make them lose weight. Unfortunately, the
long term effects disprove it as people do gain weight. You can shed off those
excess pounds later on by asking the doctor to prescribe something else but
since these also have the same effects, exercise and a good diet are the only
solutions.

Female Weight Gain

Studies show that women -- compared to men -- are more prone to weight gain.
This is not because females eat more than males. But it is believed that female
weigh gain has certain link to their hormones, which are prone to certain
imbalance. Experts believe that this imbalance in hormones can be caused by
aging or menopausal, taking in certain medications, or her over all lifestyle.
Female weight gain has been considered as a sort of epidemic not only in the
United States but also in other first world countries.

This is because studies show that more and more hormonal imbalance in females
are noted in countries where women tend to be more busy because they don't have
time to take care of themselves by proper eating and regular exercise. Aside
from improper diet and lack of regular physical activities, women who have
unhealthy lifestyle such as active night life are more prone to female weight
gain because they tend to drink more alcohol and eat less nutritious foods in
the process. However, female weight gain does not always indicate obesity.

There are cases when females need to gain some weight to recover from a certain
eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia. There are also those who need to
gain more weight to be able to gain confidence by having a fit and sexy body.
For females who are looking forward to gaining some more weight, they should
focus more on eating the right kind of food.

This is very important because the type of food intake will determine the
amount of nutrition and calories that are stored in their muscles. For healthy
female weight gain, the focus of food selection should rely on healthy foods
that consist of vegetables, fruits, lean meats, beans, seafood, and poultry
products.

Aside from balance and healthy food selection, healthy female weight gain
should also involve sufficient supplementation like vitamins as well as a set
of regular exercise such as everyday work out. Women who are looking forward to
gaining weight for aesthetic or health purposes should bear in mind that this
task would require many -- but sufficient -- calorie intake.

The amount of calories that should be present in the body should be somehow
regulated to ensure that it would not go beyond the standard weight target. For
those who are planning to lose weight due to excess female weight gain, they
should start to trim down on foods that have too much fat and calorie content.
They should also stick to light meals to ensure that they are not losing all
the nutrients in their body.

Aside from regulating their food intake, women who are afraid of the
consequences of too much weight gain should also engage in physical activities
that can help them build firm muscles and fit body.

Whatever your reason for female weight gain, it is very important to take note
of your overall heath condition. For those who are planning to gain some weight
through regular workout and other rigorous physical activities such as
bodybuilding, it is very important to be physically active first. This is to
prepare your body for the set of exercises that would be required during the
workout.

Being physically active is also a good indicator that you are physically fit.
Other way of knowing if you are physically fit is by consulting your physician.
The doctor will conduct a series of test that will determine if you are ready to
gain weight or if you need to lose some. By doing this, you can avoid certain
complication brought by female weight gain.

Factors that Affect Thyroid Weight Gain

Thyroid weight gain is basically the effect of the thyroid gland not working
properly. It is through this gland that the thyroid hormone is being produced.
This hormone acts as the body's counterpart to a car's cruise control. It is
the cruise control that allows the car to maintain a constant speed. And just
like a car, it is the thyroid gland that keeps the rest of the body working at
constant speed.

Normal levels of the thyroid hormone make it possible for the various functions
of the body to maintain its normal activity. A decrease in the production of the
thyroid hormone and the body's level of activity also decreases. Cells in the
body seem to work slower. In so doing, the cells need less energy. But when the
amount of energy provided in the body remains at the same level, some of this
excess energy is being stored by the body for future use. The body does this by
turning the excess energy in calories into fat. This in turn becomes additional
weight in the body.

When the thyroid gland produces less of the thyroid hormone, many other things
happen to the body. With the cells using lesser energy due to decreased
activity, less heat is produced. With less heat, the sweat glands no longer
need to keep the skin moist as the body also becomes colder. In this situation,
the brain also goes through decreased activity which makes it want to sleep all
the time. The same goes with the heart as less activity also allows it to beat
slower. With decreased hormone levels in the thyroid gland, everything just
slows up.

The opposite is true when the thyroid gland begins to produce the right amount
of hormones that the body needs. When the levels of the thyroid hormones
increase, the cells in the body also undergo an increase in activity. As a
result of this, the body requires more energy and so makes use of the fat and
protein stores and convert them to energy. As fat and protein cell stores
decrease when being used, the body undergoes weight changes.

But an overactive thyroid gland also is not good. Aside from the above effects,
an overactive thyroid also enables the body to produce more heat as a by-product
of the increased activity. The body then begins to sweat in an effort to cool
things down. The brain then begins to work overtime which can result in
irritability and often difficulty in sleeping. The heart also begins to beat
faster as everything in the body tries to speed up in activity.

In the body, it is the pituitary gland that sets the level of activity in the
thyroid gland. Located at the base of the brain right between the temples, the
pituitary gland sets the level in which the thyroid gland functions and, in so
doing, regulates how much of the thyroid hormone is released into the blood
stream.

If there the pituitary gland detects decreased levels of the thyroid hormone in
the bloodstream, it sends out more of the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone or TSH
into the thyroid gland by
way of the bloodstream to stimulate it to produce more thyroid hormone. Thyroid
weight gain happens if the body has an under active thyroid.

A decrease in thyroid function leads to less energy consumption in the body.
This makes the body to store up excess calories in the body as fat which
results in weight gain.

College Weight Gain: A Heavy Burden on The Minds of Teens

The family is all abuzz. Jun will be home this summer, his first summer as a
college man. My parents were so excited that they have already forgotten the
visit they made to Jun's dorm a month ago. Well, that's the way parents are.
Anyways, when Jun opened our front door and stepped into the house, everyone
was on him almost immediately.

But amidst all those chatter, the smiles, the welcome home remarks, there was
one comment that rang through the whole house. It was my niece saying "boy,
have you gotten fat." Jun, fortunately, just brushed it off. However, to some
people, college weight gain cannot be brushed off quite easily.

Studies have been undertaken which on the issue of gaining weight during
college. Although, the truth of the matter has been confirmed quite a number of
times, the actual reason behind the phenomena is not as conclusive as other
people might like.

It is said that the first year of one's stay in college can easily result to a
10 or even a 20-pound increase in body weight. A number of reasons have been
cited as the causes of getting a bigger butt while you're in college. Actually,
some of the clues that explain this phenomenon are really quite obvious, when
you look at them closely.

One of the possible reasons is that they might over do this concept of being
free. Some students or most students see their first year in college as their
chance to be free from their parents. Although, some might handle this quite
well adapting to the school and his/her peers. They loose control and eat and
drink whatever they want and whenever they want.

They don't concern themselves with their diet. Compared to when their mom's
were in control of what they eat, these first year college folks drown
themselves with sodas and fill their bellies with junk foods. The school
cafeteria is also an easy place to stuff more fat since the food there is often
times "complete." With appetizers, main course, and most especially desserts,
college folks are more likely to overeat there than in any other place in
campus.

One interesting thing is that according to recent studies, college males are
more likely to gain considerable weight after the first year of their stay in
college than their female counterparts. So guys, beware. If you continue on
your current lifestyle, you might end up four times or even six times your body
weight before you leave college.

Another reason that kept getting the blame for this college fat phenomenon is
the fact that most college folks live a more or less sedentary life. If eating
the right food is the least of their concern, believe me, exercising is further
off their grid. They have homework, study groups, library work, experiments, and
not to mention parties to go to, events to crash, and so on.

Speaking of parties, the various gathering you go to in college serve mostly
fat laden finger foods, sodas and the like. Imagine the fat you will gain the
next day. In the attempt to socialize with their peers, college freshmen are
eating more than enough fills of fats, salt, and other junk.

Stopping college weight gain is a conscious effort. College folks need to get
their diet in order and need to get their butt off their bunks. This is an
action that they themselves need to initiate. Complaining won't do them any
good. They need to fight this with sheer will power and utter determination.

Understanding the Underlying Reasons Why People Gain Weight

Although many people are now into the idea of losing weight, there are still
those who focus on how to gain weight. The reasons behind the want to gain
weight usually vary form one person to another but the fact remains that there
are still those who would want to increase their body volume while the majority
of the people in the society are dying to lose some.

Today, with all the shifts in the modern society, it is really hard to tell how
long frenzy will take. If you are one of those people who are confused which
fitness trend to follow, read on so you can have a grasp of which is really
best for you.

Why gain weight?

Gaining weight has never been a trend until now.

Why? Since the commercialization of slim figures and thin frames by magazines
and the by the fashion industry, the society has always considered being thin
as sexy and more acceptable.

But now, more and more people are getting into weight gain for various reasons.
One of the reasons why some people would like to gain weight is for their
health. It has always been a fact that proper food intake is one of the key
reasons to maintaining good health.

This is because the nutrients from the foods people eat give them the energy
needed to sustain a healthy body. Studies show that many people would like to
gain weight because they believe that having higher body mass is a good
indicator of good health.

Another reason why some people would like gain weight is they would like to top
avoid or recover from various eating-related disorders such as anorexia and
bulimia. People -- especially girls -- would now like to gain weight so they
won't be mistaken to suffer from an eating or emotional disorder.

Bodybuilding is also another major reason why people -- regardless of gender,
race, or status -- gain weight. These people are those who believe that having
muscular frame is sexy and the best thing for them. Experts say that people who
are into bodybuilding should really gain weight so their bodies will have so
much to burn while they are doing rigorous workouts and training required in
body building.

Pregnancy among women is also another major reason why they need to gain
weight. Weight gain is very important to women who are conceiving because this
ensures healthy and successful pregnancy. Experts say that weight gain is
inevitable for pregnant women because this where she and the fetus inside rely
for sufficient nutrients. Pregnant women should never hesitate to gain weight
during this event in their lives because proper food intake and ideal body mass
will determine the outcome of the pregnancy.

(TIP: For women who are so afraid of gaining weight due to pregnancy, they
should focus their mind on the condition of the fetus inside their bellies and
not of their own. If they do this, they will have more motivation to eat
healthy and achieve the ideal weight for their individual needs.)

People are also looking forward to gain weight because it is a requirement for
a certain job. Although this reason are confined to those who need jobs such as
freelance bouncers in a private bar or concert, in house fitness guru, body
building trainer and the like, more and more people are gaining weight so they
can get a job where they can earn money as well as achieve satisfaction and
fulfillment.

What Can Women do to Gain Weight

Some women are underweight. If they want to reach their ideal weight, they will
have to work hard in the coming days and months as this will not become a
reality overnight. For that, there are two things that the woman has to do. The
first is to eat right while the other if they have not tried it yet is exercise.

When we say eat right, we don't mean sitting on a couch and eating junk food
the whole day. It means that we have to practice good nutrition. This is
achieved by getting the right amounts of fat, carbohydrates and proteins.

A good source of healthy fat comes what is known as omega 3 fatty acids. They
are very special because it cannot be produced by the body. You can get this
from eating fish and other marine life such as algae and krill. It can also be
ingested by consuming certain plants like purslane and walnuts.

You can get protein from lean meat, poultry products, legumes and seeds. This
is also important because it builds and repair tissues that are torn down from
a workout. They also produce enzymes, hormones and other body chemicals.

Good nutrition should also have carbohydrates. This is the fuel that gives us
energy to do our daily activities. So, if you want to remain active, you have
to get a sufficient amount that can be found in fruits, vegetables and whole
grains.

You can also get these three from food supplements that are available in the
form of pills or drinks. This can be purchased over the counter as you don't
need a medical prescription.

Eating is just one thing women have to do to gain weight. The other is to
exercise. Although working out increases your metabolism, it can also make you
want to eat more afterwards. It can also change your body structure as you will
soon develop muscles.

Women can gain weight by engaging in exercises such as aerobics, cycling,
jogging, running and walking. Some may do weight lifting but not too much to
make you look like a man. You can work 3 to 4 times a week for about an hour or
two each day and don't forget to bring water or any energy drink to replenish
what you sweat.

If you have never exercised before, start with something easy before increasing
the tempo. A physical trainer can help out since they have the authority on this
matter. But before you do anything, don't forget to get check if this is safe to
do from your doctor.

Once you are able to reach your ideal weight, the only thing you have to do now
is maintain it. This means sticking to the diet plan you have been using for the
past how many months and adding a little variety every now and then as well as
making some changes in the exercises that you do either at home or at the gym.

Some say it is easy to gain weight rather than lose it and women are no
exception. For those who don't want to be underweight anymore you just have to
you eat and exercise because there is no short cut to looking and feeling good.
This can only be achieved with sweat and hard work that is difficult but not
impossible regardless of your age.

What you need to know about weight gain

Today, more and more people are into weight gain. It can be for aesthetic
reasons or for health purposes. To know if weight gain is bad or good for you,
it is always best to conduct a research about its indicators as well as of its
advantages and disadvantages so you will have an idea if you're into the right
thing.

What experts sayAs defined, weight gain refers to the increase in a person's
body weight brought by intake of too many calories, lack of physical activity
such as regular exercise, or a side effect of certain types of medication.
However, it can also be a result of a certain set of workout routine -- such as
those in bodybuilding -- wherein muscles tend to increase in terms of weight.

Experts say that weight gain is usually done by people because of two reasons.
One, they want to build muscles for a fit body. This is very common to people
who need big and bulging muscles for their jobs such gym instructors, fitness
gurus, bodybuilding coaches, bouncers, bodyguards, weightlifters, and the like.
Today, weight gain through body building has also become popular with the
emergence of various bodybuilding contests where contestants are required to
show off their muscles. The second reason why people gain weight is because of
their health.

Weight gain is highly recommended to those people who have lost so much body
fat due to dieting and especially to those who have developed various eating
disorders such as anorexia or bulimia. People -- especially women who are
believed to suffer more from this condition -- are advised to gain weight to
recover from all the body fats and nutrients they have lost.

To know if you are gaining some weight, check for its symptoms such as a
rounder belly, certain increase in the fat percentage of the body, increased
mass of muscles and increase in the level of body's hydration. Experts say that
it can be hard to determine if a person's weight gain is good or not. This is
because people have different individual needs that need to be paid attention
to. Although knowing the ideal weight for a person's height can be a god
indicator, it is always best to consult with a physician to avoid further
complications.

If you are preparing for a routine for weight gain, here are some helpful tips:

1. Focus on set of workouts routines that can help you increase your body fat
and muscles. Experts say that this is one of the most effective ways of gaining
weight without having to worry about obesity. Since you burn only the
unnecessary fats, you are paving the way for your muscles to gain weight.

2. Eat a balanced diet. This is very important if you are aiming for weight
gain because it serves as your guide on what kind of food you should eat and
the proper amount to get the weight that you desire.

Having a balanced diet will not only ensure weight gain but also the
development of good eating habits in you.

3. Spend enough time for your target weight gain. Just like in losing weight,
weight gain also requires utmost time and dedication. If you are into weight
gain, make sure that you are serious about it so you will achieve the results
that you want.

  InfoBank Intro | Main Page | Usenet Forums | Search The RockSite/The Web