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Not able to gain weight
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At 16 years 7 months, your son is still in the growth and puberty phase, and variations in weight gain, body composition, and secondary sexual characteristics (like beard/moustache) are quite common. Since his reports (TSH, LFT, CBC) are normal, this is often related to growth pattern, metabolism, and nutrition rather than a medical issue.
Possible Reasons:
- High metabolism: Tall, lean adolescents often burn calories quickly, making weight gain difficult.
- Inadequate calorie intake: Even if he eats regularly, it may not be enough to meet his high growth and energy needs.
- Sensitive stomach: Digestive issues may affect intake or absorption, leading to lower weight gain.
- Delayed puberty (constitutional delay): Late development of beard/moustache and voice changes can be part of a normal variation in puberty timing.
Irregular eating habits or meal skipping can also contribute.
What You Can Do:
- Ensure frequent, nutrient-dense meals with adequate protein, carbs, and healthy fats.
- Support digestion with simple, home-cooked meals.
- Encourage light strength-building activities.
- Monitor growth over time rather than expecting rapid changes.
Next Steps
If you require a personalized diet plan which will help manage your weight effectively reach out to us.
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Hi
How are his iron levels? Gut related issues can also hamper weight gain. Please consult once to go through all the reports and give dietary suggestions.
Thank you!
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Consult on app personally regarding same. Lifestyle changes, dietary changes and ayurvedic herbs needed as per constitution
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Ms. Neema Yadav
Dietitian/Nutritionist
5 yrs exp
Kolhapur
1. Late puberty patterns ( very common ) heigh increases first , voice deepens , facial hair comes later
Done boys -14-15
Others at 17-19 it’s normal
2. Genetic influences
In father / uncle had late beard growth, same pattern can happen
Facial hair thickness is genetically determined
3. Fast metabolism + low intake = very low weight
4. Hormones are likely Ok
Voice change = puberty has started - testosterone is already active
Focus on now
1. Weight gain priority
2. Strength exercise
3. Sleep -7-9 hours
Important truth
Beard / moustache growth Cana not be forced by oils or medicine
It comes naturally with time + hormones
Final simple understanding
Voice changed - puberty is ON
Beard not yet - late but normal
Very low weight- main issue to correct
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Ms. Somya Jain
Dietitian/Nutritionist
9 yrs exp
Delhi
Please connect over consultation
With your diet routine to help better
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Ms. Muskan Sharma
Clinical Nutritionist
2 yrs exp
Delhi
There can be several factors for not gaining weight other than just deranged blood parameters. So to suggest you anything we should have a consultation call and discuss it in depth, so that I can suggest you the best possible solutions.
Next Steps
You can contact me through Online Consultation and we can discuss this in detail.
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.