Do I really need to gain weight??

So as the title suggests, do I really need to gain weight? I mean, I'm technically at the much sought after BMI of 20. My height is 5'7" (YAY! I grew!!!) and I weigh 127 lbs.

Earlier this year when I was at my worst, my weight was 108. I increased my calories and worked my way up to about 125. But in June, I started to relapse and lost 10 more lbs. And I once again increased my intake and ended up where I am today. So do I need to switch to maintaining? Or do I need to continue to gain more weight?? Any help is much appreciated! =]

If you're a 'yo-yo gainer' then it may make sense for you to add another 7lbs to that number before you work on maintaining.  You say you grew and you should expect to keep growing until you're about 21.  By gaining another 7lbs you would be giving yourself a few more weeks to really cement your healthier eating patterns and get used to eating plenty of food.  Also it would give you a little 'insurance' against relapse and illness.   

When you do get to the stage of maintaining, only reduce your intake very, very slightly.  A reasonably active young man should be able to maintain a healthy weight on 2500-3000 cals a day.  Any kind of restriction can trigger a relapse so it's important to take it gently.

How much are you eating now? Some people try to maintain a low weight that is not their set point by not eating enough calories. Though it may be better then before it is not healthy for the mind or body and keeps it trapped. To me it is odd that the bmi does not seem to factor in gender or does it? I am not sure your age but you look young and male who could still grow but if you don't feed your body this will cause problems around that.

Jane: Thanks for the advice! You're always such a great help! =] Yes, I guess I am what would be considered a 'yo-yo gainer'. Part of the problem is that I only focus on my weight, and not the actual causes of my behaviors. But I'm starting to work on that..

Abbi: Heh I totally forgot to put that in my first post. I am 16, male, and lately I've been eating 2500-3000 calories per day (though I'll admit, during the past few days it has creeped down slightly =/ ). I don't think the BMI scale factors in gender. I've never seen one anywhere that has. I honestly don't think I'm supposed to get much taller than I already am. I mean, I'm already wayyy taller than both my parents... But either way, I'll definitely increase my calories.

I know I'll probably get totally slashed for asking this, but do I need to pay close attention to sugar, carb, protein, or fat amounts?? This is one of my biggest mental blocks right now. That and the glycemic index scale (which probably doesn't even apply to me anyway)..

Original Post by goobyb:

I know I'll probably get totally slashed for asking this, but do I need to pay close attention to sugar, carb, protein, or fat amounts?? This is one of my biggest mental blocks right now. That and the glycemic index scale (which probably doesn't even apply to me anyway)..

 No.  Normal teenagers don't even have a clue of what most of that stuff means.  And you don't want to waste your life always having to check the labels on stuff, look up the nutritional facts, ect., do you?

Original Post by opeth14:

Original Post by goobyb:

I know I'll probably get totally slashed for asking this, but do I need to pay close attention to sugar, carb, protein, or fat amounts?? This is one of my biggest mental blocks right now. That and the glycemic index scale (which probably doesn't even apply to me anyway)..

 No.  Normal teenagers don't even have a clue of what most of that stuff means.  And you don't want to waste your life always having to check the labels on stuff, look up the nutritional facts, ect., do you?

 Noooo way! I truly want to stop over-analyzing what I'm eating and be a normal teenager. I've just been filled up with all these ideas and associations with each macronutrient back when I actually needed to lose weight. It's pretty hard to ditch the these thoughts. =/

You probably do need to gain some weight.  Try drinking some protein shakes - that way, you gain lean muscle mass.  That always look fantastic!

I make a very tasty protein shake as follows:

Blend together:

1/3 of 12 oz glass of crushed ice

1 ripe banana

1 scoop of Syntrax Nectar Protein (I love the Carribean Cooler flavor, but they all tast very good)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 Splenda or 2 pkgs sugar

A lot of guys have trouble gaining weight when they're your age - you have to work at it!

Good luck and keep on keeping on!

-Linda

Original Post by lpennington:

You probably do need to gain some weight.  Try drinking some protein shakes - that way, you gain lean muscle mass.  That always look fantastic!

I make a very tasty protein shake as follows:

Blend together:

1/3 of 12 oz glass of crushed ice

1 ripe banana

1 scoop of Syntrax Nectar Protein (I love the Carribean Cooler flavor, but they all tast very good)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 Splenda or 2 pkgs sugar

A lot of guys have trouble gaining weight when they're your age - you have to work at it!

Good luck and keep on keeping on!

-Linda

 

 

 Actually, I do drink an occasional protein shake. Perhaps I should do it more consistently though. I've never tried the syntrax stuff before. I think I'm gonna give it a shot. :D