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Thu 31 Aug, 2023 08:16 pm
My bmi is about 16 and my parents and doctor tell me that I need to gain weight but I really don’t look like I do. I have a good bit of grab-able, wobbly fat, especially in my stomach and inner thighs. I workout everyday but just for about 25 minutes and do a mix of cardio and strength training (leaning more towards strength training) and don’t eat too unhealthily. I avoid added sugar as best as I can (probably less than 12g a day), eat a lot of vegetables, only whole grains, get enough protein, and just have the occasional dessert. I still have so much belly fat though, even while being underweight, so I just really don't understand what's going on. Could I be eating too much calories or fat? Or processed foods? But yet again, I am underweight, so I don’t know how that works. I see other people who are 20 lbs heavier than me and they look super skinny and toned and have little body fat, so why do I look the way I described? Do I need to work out more, like 1 hr everyday? I just don’t have the time, otherwise I would. I really don’t know what to do, I hate this situation I am in right now. I don’t want to be underweight but I don't want to gain even more body fat because I already seem to have such an abnormal amount on me, especially my stomach, at least for the weight I am right now. Does anyone have any tips/advice/insight/explanation?
@NOYB,
I don't pretend to have the answer to your described problem – it could be an undiagnosed condition which suggests further consultation with a specialist. Muscle is generally heavier than fat, but that doesn't explain why you're not losing fat since your diet and exercise routine seems reasonable.
@NOYB,
NOYB wrote:
I see other people who are 20 lbs heavier than me and they look super skinny and toned and have little body fat, so why do I look the way I described?
1. This is quite silly. NEVER compare yourself and body type (this isn't a platitude!) to others. You WILL NEVER have the same genetics and metabolism as other persons (related or not). What and how your body processes food and whatever is going to never be exactly replicated by others and their genetics and metabolism. Maybe you have an overactive or detrimental (at face value) metabolism. That said...
2. "THIS SERVICE DOES NOT PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. All the content of the service, including all postings, is for informational purposes only. The service 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 a medical condition. You should never disregard professional medical advice because of something you've received from or read in the able2know service."
This is a question you should ask your general practitioner or nutritionist (if you are so lucky to be able to afford one or have access to one). Maybe you have an underlying issue that needs to be addressed and we can't provide that here.
@hightor,
Thank you for your insight, I do think that something might not be right with my body because I have a history of gastrointestinal problems. I'm going to be sure to talk to my doctor about this more.
@tsarstepan,
Thank you very much for your reply, I understand that I should go to a doctor about this. I did not intend to get any real medical advice, I was looking at my issue as more of a lifestyle one than medical, but I realize that this site (or any for that matter) probably isn't the best place to get advice for this sort of thing anyway.
@NOYB,
The thing is ... you really shouldn't beat yourself up for something you literally may have ZERO control over. Not until we get those (questionably ethical) medical advancements that allow us to change/design our own genes and thusly our personal metabolisms.
Do you have an issue with an eating disorder … such as anorexia? I’m sure that you’ve heard of it and because you have a doctor involved with your healthcare, Somewhere along the line there may have have been a mention of how you view your body’s image in your mind.
BMI of 16% is very good. However, how you view your body’s profile is apparently out-of-whack. I hope that you find peace and good health. Furthermore, seeing a doctor about your gastrointestinal health issues is an important step.
Whole grains are no better than refined grains, and they are all about the same as eating sugar. Eliminate all grains if possible. Eat coconut or olive oil instead of the other refined oils.
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