How can a person who follows a vegetarian diet gain weight?

Question

Hi doctor,

My weight is 52 kg, my height is 5.11 feet, age 20, and I am unable to gain weight. I eat very often, but nothing gives me weight. I am vegetarian but can eat eggs, I poop once a day, but it is nothing compared to my intake, is there any problem with my digestive tract or anything else?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Being vegetarian is good, but it can cause some problems. One of which is some amino acids are only present in meats and not in vegetables. In the long run, one may develop deficiencies. Vitamin B12 is also present in animals, so those who are pure vegetarians become vitamin B12 deficient and develop symptoms of peripheral neuropathies.

Yes, supplements may be taken, but again these supplements come from animal products.

For weight gain, I suggest:

Eat egg whites and pulses, and do aerobic exercise.
Have serum TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) levels done.
Eat mixed vegetables, milk, yogurt, pulses, beans, lentils, dry fruits, etc.
Protein supplements may also be taken.

I hope you find it helpful.

Kind regards.