[jabader]

My mother is underweight. Does anyone have any ideas how to increase her body's fat point so that she puts some on? She has lost weight since my dad died six months ago but is otherwise healthy. She's started eating chocolate bars to try and put weight on but that's not healthy. She's 5 ft and 7 stone weight

[Lydiaswingert]

She should gradually increase her calorie intake on healthy, nutritious food - wholegrain carbs, lean protein, lots of fresh fruit and veg - and excercise if she can. She doesn't have to increase her fat intake to gain weight - this will only lead to clogged arteries and increased cholestrol levels.

[malishka1025]

"fat intake...this will only lead to clogged arteries and increased cholestrol levels."
Er.. actually no, Shingi, it doesn't, unless it's industrial vegetable oils. She's always been a butter girl anyway so no problem there!
Thanks for your input though

[rxnixoncom]

"She doesn't have to increase her fat intake to gain weight - this will only lead to clogged arteries and increased cholestrol levels. "

Whoa! As Floray says... no, not true! You need to read Gary Taubes again! LOL She should avoid trans fats... and definitely increase fats like olive oil, butter and animal fats.

Chances are very good that your mother doesn't need to gain JUST fat. Underweight people are typically very low in lean tissue. At your mom's height and weight she's really NOT underweight. For what you're used to... it might seem that she's underweight. But at her height she's at the bottom of "normal". What she should be focusing on is not losing any more... and eating for improved health. An exercise plan will increase her appetite... good quality protein will help her build muscle back. Just as weight loss take time and patience, so does weight gain.

How does your mom feel? Is she concerned? 6 months isn't very long ago. Is she getting help with her grief? You might suggest that, since she still hasn't regained her appetite. She might need that more than she needs to gain weight. Deal with the cause (grief) and the weight issue could resolve itself.

Chocolate is NOT the answer. Good luck... and kudos for caring for your mom during this time. It's not easy, is it?

[EsAllCams]

Thanks Trill. No, she's not worried but at 86 I worry about bone mass loss and her falling and breaking something. Also, like me, she is short but not tiny so she does look thin and if we could just exchange the 8lb I still need to lose we would both be perfect!
Also she's gone semi-vegetarian - my dad loved meat so they ate it every day (poor bloke trying to cut down on his favourite food for years and forced to eat 'rabbit food' and wholemeal bread. If only I'd known all this years ago.). She only really likes lamb and will only eat one chop of that at my house - at her home I think she rarely eats meat now, only cheese and eggs. I suppose that has a lot to do with it. Perhaps she ate more than she needed every day when my dad was alive? I hadn't thought of that because she never was fat.
She's very active and in fact we are going on holiday to Disneyworld together soon (can't wait!).
But this has led me to research and I can't find anything on the Net for a healthy weight GAIN diet. Interesting.

[feAilei1]

"fat intake...this will only lead to clogged arteries and increased cholestrol levels."
Er.. actually no, Shingi, it doesn't, unless it's industrial vegetable oils. She's always been a butter girl anyway so no problem there!
Thanks for your input though

This was in response to your post about her eating chocolates to gain weight - and that, generally, is what people do when they want to gain weight. They are under the mistaken belief that increasing their intake of chocolates and unhealthy "junk" food is the way to go. Of course, "healthy" fats will not result in increases in cholestrol levels.

[Dvjkefdw]

"She doesn't have to increase her fat intake to gain weight - this will only lead to clogged arteries and increased cholestrol levels. "

Whoa! As Floray says... no, not true! You need to read Gary Taubes again! LOL She should avoid trans fats... and definitely increase fats like olive oil, butter and animal fats.

Agreed....but you don't normally find olive oil in chocolate. Perhaps, I should have clearly stated I was referring to the post before mine about her eating more chocolate to gain weight!!

[Vmysobfi]

Oh then you mean the sugar in the chocolate. Yes I know that's unhealthy. I think the fat in chocolate is cocoa butter and milk fat isn't it?

[brraverishhh]

My mom stopped cooking when my dad passed away... she says she doesn't like to cook for just herself. I know some nights she'll eat popcorn for dinner... or a fried egg.

If your mom is within the healthy weight range for her height (she is), active and otherwise healthy... I wouldn't worry about her weight. At her age, bone density is what it is.... adding fat won't increase it or prevent fractures.

Another thought... does she go to the dentist? Some older people will stop eating meat because of their teeth... if she has dentures, when was the last time she had them redone or refitted? Maybe it's uncomfortable for her to chew meat... and that's why she's choosing soft eggs and cheese.

[MasTaBlau]

No she had new dentures recently! I think maybe I'm worried with less fat cover, a bone is more likely to break. That could be complete rubbish of course!
Thanks for input, maybe I'll stop worrying.

[kaiayout]

With less fat she's likely to be more balanced, active and able to catch herself.... so less likely to fall in the first place.

Is SHE concerned? At 86 I wouldn't worry about long term health benefits or risks associated with diet. She's obviously a naturally healthy woman! I'd be focusing on emotional health and well being... and remember, it's always better to be on the thin side than overweight. Try to stop worrying!