Have you been asking “why can’t I gain weight” to yourself lately? Many people have a hard time gaining weight, no matter how much they eat. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the reasons why you might be having a hard time gaining weight. We will also provide tips on how to overcome this obstacle and start putting on the pounds!
Why Can’t I Gain Weight?
Here are 13 reasons why you’re having a hard time gaining weight.
Not eating enough
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is essential for gaining weight. But if you’re not consuming enough calories each day to support weight gain, it can be difficult to put on the pounds.
Not training correctly
If you are exercising but not lifting the right amount of weight or doing an improper form of exercise, it may be harder for your body to build muscle and add mass. Moreover, without the right amount of rest days, your body won’t be able to adequately recover and put on weight.
Poor nutrition
Eating unhealthy foods can hinder your ability to gain weight, as they do not provide the necessary nutrients needed for muscle growth and repair. Furthermore, eating foods high in sugar and fat can lead to an increase in body fat but not muscle mass.
A slow metabolism
If your metabolism is slower than average, then it may take longer for you to gain weight compared to someone with a faster metabolism. What’s more, if you have a poor lifestyle and don’t get enough exercise, your metabolism will likely slow down even further.
Not getting enough sleep
Sleep is important for gaining muscle, as your body repairs and recovers from your workouts during restful periods of sleep. In addition to this, poor or inadequate sleep can cause a hormonal imbalance, which can make it harder to gain weight.
Not drinking enough water
Water helps to transport nutrients throughout the body and can help increase weight gain when consumed in adequate amounts. Additionally, dehydration can cause fatigue, which may make it harder for you to exercise and build muscle.
Stress
High levels of stress can affect your ability to put on weight, as it releases hormones that can suppress appetite and cause muscle loss. What’s more, stress can also cause sleeplessness, which can further impede your ability to gain weight.
Too much cardio
Doing too much cardio or high-intensity exercise can prevent you from gaining weight, as it burns calories and builds endurance rather than muscle mass. Interestingly, too little cardio, on the other hand, can also make it harder for you to gain weight.
Too little protein
Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair, so not consuming enough can make it harder for you to put on weight. Furthermore, protein also helps to keep you full for longer, which can help prevent overeating and weight gain.
Health issues
Certain medical conditions such as thyroid disorders or hormonal imbalances can affect your ability to gain weight. Moreover, certain medications such as antidepressants can also cause weight loss or make it harder for you to put on the pounds.
Age
As you get older, your metabolism slows down and you may find it harder to put on the pounds compared to when you were younger. In addition to this, your body composition changes over time, which can make it more difficult to gain muscle mass.
Poor gut health
Poor gut health caused by certain bacterial infections or digestive disorders can impact your ability to absorb nutrients properly and gain weight. This is why it’s important to keep your gut healthy and avoid processed foods.
Genetics
Your genes play a role in how easily or with difficulty you are able to gain weight, depending on your metabolic rate and muscle-building capabilities. Although it is not possible to change your genes, you can make lifestyle changes to help you put on the pounds.
When Should You Consider Gaining Weight?
When your body weight is under a healthy range for your height, age, and gender, it can be beneficial to start considering gaining weight. For example, if you are a female who is shorter than 5’5” and weigh less than 110 lbs., you may have difficulty getting all the nutrients that your body needs in order to remain healthy.
You may also feel tired or weak more often than usual since you do not have the energy to do much physical activity. However, if you are an average-sized person and feel that your weight is too low for your age or height, then gaining some extra pounds may be worth considering in order to help improve overall health and well-being.
Conclusion
For those of you who have been struggling to gain weight, there is hope. A combination of lifestyle and dietary changes can help you reach your goal weight. Eating a balanced diet that includes healthy fats and proteins, gaining muscle with regular strength training, and managing stress can all contribute to weight gain.
Consider contacting FitMantra for additional information on nutrition and fitness. You can also get in touch with their nutrition experts through our online nutrition counseling, who can guide you through the process and help you achieve your fitness goals. You can also gain weight with the help of our weight gain program. Download our Fitness App on Android to know more about us.