And hormonal imbalances can affect all of these processes. So, endocrinologists aim to rebalance hormone levels and provide other ways to manage endocrine conditions. Several hormone conditions can have an impact on your weight. Endocrinologists can help with all of them. An endocrinologist or other healthcare professional may prescribe you a weight loss medication, such as phentermine or Contrave.

Many of these medications work by suppressing appetite, stimulating your metabolism, or making it more difficult for your body to absorb fat from food. Other medications that help manage underlying conditions, such as diabetes and hormone replacement drugs, may be prescribed instead of weight loss medications.

Weight loss surgery is an option, too. Considered quite effective , it provides a more permanent solution to weight management. Not everyone will be prescribed weight loss medication. This often involves using body mass index BMI. If your BMI is 30 or greater, you may be eligible for medication.

That also applies if you have a BMI of 27 or more and have a weight-related condition, such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. If you have certain health conditions or take other medications , you may not be able to take some weight loss drugs.

For example, phentermine cannot be taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors MAOIs , which are used to treat depression, or if you have heart disease or overactive thyroid hyperthyroidism. Whatever clinical course of action is decided, you will still likely need to make some lifestyle changes to help you lose weight.

Finding ways to improve dietary habits for the long term is a good idea, as is trying to exercise most days of the week. Endocrinologists and other professionals like dietitians can assist with this.

Some people find that cutting down on fats and carbohydrates and eating more low calorie foods, such as fruit and vegetables, helps. When it comes to exercise , you may not need to aim for a long gym workout each day.

Instead, a brisk walk can be a good starting point that you can build on. Yes, endocrinologists can prescribe weight loss medications as well as other treatments for underlying issues that may be contributing to weight gain. They can then refer you to specialists, like endocrinologists, where needed.

If your hormones are believed to be impacting your weight, an endocrinologist will diagnose the underlying issue and treat it. They can also help with menstrual concerns and the effects of cancer treatment on the endocrine system.

Working with healthcare professionals to devise a plan that works for you and your lifestyle and giving them regular updates can help keep you on track. Lauren Sharkey is a U. She has also written a book profiling young female activists across the globe and is currently building a community of such resisters.

Catch her on Twitter. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. A recent trend in weight loss is counting the macronutrients carbs, fats and protein, rather than focusing on calories. This article reviews the best….

Nutrient-rich superfoods can benefit your health in many ways, including by helping you lose weight. Here are 20 of the best superfoods for weight…. Hormones like estrogen and testosterone are crucial to your health, and a hormonal imbalance can cause symptoms like acne and weight gain.

Learn more. Patients with diabetes who used GLP-1 drugs, including tirzepatide, semaglutide, dulaglutide, and exenatide had a decreased chance of being diagnosed…. Some studies suggest vaping may help manage your weight, but others show mixed…. The amount of time it takes to recover from weight loss surgery depends on the type of surgery and surgical technique you receive.

New research suggests that running may not aid much with weight loss, but it can help you keep from gaining weight as you age. It can mean low weight for a person's height, defined as a body mass index BMI of less than There are many reasons you may not be at your goal weight.

Recovering from an illness or losing weight as you age are two examples. It's also common for athletes to want to gain weight as muscle. It is best to see your health care provider if you lost weight unexpectedly. Your provider or a dietitian can help you gain weight in a healthy way.

Together, you can create a plan based on your needs. Katherine Zeratsky, R. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health.

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Poor weight gain in children older than two years in resource-abundant countries. Accessed Dec. Duyff RL. Reach and maintain your healthy weight. In: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Complete Food and Nutrition Guide.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; Raymond JL, et al. Nutrition for weight management. Kindle edition. Elsevier; Underweight nutrition therapy. Nutrition Care Manual. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Healthy weight gain. About adult BMI.

Ellner says. The good news is that period-related water retention is short-lived, according to Fear. But as soon as you dive into some spaghetti, your body starts storing glycogen in your muscles and liver, along with H2O. The sudden influx of those two nutrients after a long stretch of being carb-free could leave you bloated, Fear says.

The best solution: Include a moderate amount of whole-grain carbs in your diet daily to prevent the cycle of weight coming on and off. Some medications can cause your body to retain water, according to Melody Covington, MD, a weight-loss doctor at Abundant Health and Vitality.

Covington also says that certain medications can increase your appetite or reduce your metabolism and increase fat storage, and she notes that weight gain is even more likely on medication that limits your ability to exercise or stay active.

If a medication seems to be causing weight gain, Dr. Covington recommends talking to your doctor and asking about alternatives or the possibility of reducing your dose. You can also work on making lifestyle changes that will promote weight loss , a healthy diet, or time for exercise.

If your doctor thinks it's appropriate, in some cases they may refer you to a bariatrician who specializes in the treatment and prevention of obesity-related diseases. If you drop too much weight or fat too fast or in a way that your body registers that something is wrong, it will try to store the fat that's available more aggressively.

The brain does not understand 'dieting' but it understands fat loss very well and often if we diet incorrectly the brain interprets this as something unhealthy happening," says Dr. Storing fat is the body's attempt to keep us safe, she adds.

To avoid this, she recommends enlisting an expert that will help you create a healthy diet or assist you with your weight-loss goals, whether it's a fitness trainer, dietitian, weight loss doctor, or accountability partner.

One easy place to start in terms of accountability is using a food-tracking app , adds Dr. There have been many surprises.

Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based writer and graduate student at Northwestern Medill. As a former collegiate pole vaulter, she has a love for all things fitness and is currently obsessed with Peloton Tread workouts and hot yoga. Georgie Fear is a registered dietitian who has been doing nutrition counseling for 17 years.

She has authored three books and hosts the popular Breaking Up With Binge Eating podcast. Georgie helps people form a stress-free relationship with food so that they can end binge eating, emotional eating, or lifelong weight struggles.

Can The Alpilean Ice Diet Help You Lose Weight? Can Magnesium Help You Lose Weight? Eating disorders can also cause someone to be underweight.

If you think you have an eating disorder, or know of someone who suffers from the condition, talk to someone you trust and consider consulting a medical professional.

Help is available. Eating less and unintentional weight loss can also affect older individuals and those with underlying medical concerns. Your doctor can examine your medical history and determine if there are underlying causes for your weight loss.

A registered dietitian can help you create a healthy meal plan to help you gain weight and help you identify a healthy weight goal.

The key to healthy weight gain is to pick nutrient-rich foods as often as possible. Try to avoid empty-calorie foods soda, candy, chips as they are not necessarily a healthy way to gain weight.

For healthy weight gain, try to eat foods from all food groups, focusing primarily on nutrient-dense foods. It is absolutely possible to maintain a healthy relationship with food while gaining weight! By setting small goals and making a few changes to your diet and lifestyle, it is possible to gain weight and avoid any negative feelings toward foods.

If someone has specific medical diagnoses, like diabetes or hypertension, or underlying medical conditions, it is helpful to work with a specialist, like a registered dietitian, to determine the best meal plan to follow.

In addition to meal planning, there are other strategies you can try to help you gain weight. If you find it hard to remember to eat frequently, consider setting alarms or enlisting friends and family to remind you.

Consider batch cooking or preparing meals and snacks in advance, so you have quick options to grab and go. Ready-to-eat meal delivery services can be a great way to reduce the amount of cooking you mus do. This can be a milkshake, a high-calorie smoothie, or a ready-to-drink oral nutrition supplement.

The right nutrition provider will be a registered dietitian specializing in your primary health concern, such as oncology or digestive diseases. Eating small, frequent meals and including high-calorie and high-protein foods with every meal can help you gain weight and improve your health status. A registered dietitian can help you manage your weight by creating a healthy weight-gain eating plan focused on nutritionally dense, nourishing foods.

Talk to a registered dietitian through Nourish for evidence-based nutrition advice on gaining weight safely.

Yes, a registered dietitian nutritionist RDN can provide you with an individualized eating plan high in protein and calories to help you gain weight in a safe and healthy way. Your dietitian can also explore the underlying cause of your weight loss and give you tips for moving any past barriers to weight gain, like nausea or low appetite.

Depending on the underlying cause of your unintentional weight loss, you may need to work with a specialist. For example, if you are losing weight because of cancer treatment side effects, you should work with an oncologist. If your weight loss results from an eating disorder, like anorexia nervosa , an eating disorder treatment center will be the best fit for you.

A registered dietitian can also be a valuable member of the healthcare team for helping you gain weight. They can give you a realistic eating plan for achieving safe weight gain.

Many dietitians recommend small, frequent meals consisting of high-calorie and high-protein foods for effective weight gain.

Focus on including high-calorie condiments, like guacamole, mayonnaise, and nut butter, and avoiding low-calorie, fat-free, and sugar-free foods. You may also consider liquid nutrition, like milkshakes or oral nutrition supplements, to add a dense source of calories to your day.

If you want to learn more about diet and lifestyle changes with diabetes, find a registered dietitian covered by insurance with Nourish.

You should seek guidance from your healthcare provider about the possibility of prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Your Email Thank you! Your submission has been received! Am I covered? Refer a patient. Who we serve. Autoimmune conditions Cancer Diabetes Eating disorders Anorexia Binge eating Bulimia.

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Can a Nutritionist Help Me Gain Weight? Published on. Medically Reviewed By:. Ellie Stamerjohn, MS, RDN, LD. Table of Contents Text Link. Key Takeaways Underlying medical conditions like eating disorders, cancer, digestive diseases, and psychiatric conditions can lead to unintentional weight loss.

A dietitian can help you gain weight safely by recommending a high-calorie and high-protein diet that suits your food preferences, lifestyle, and health needs. Make sure you choose a nutrition provider with a registered dietitian RD or registered dietitian nutritionist RDN credential who specializes in the area you seek treatment.

Many factors can contribute to this, but it is often the result of an underlying medical condition, such as: Cancer. Eating disorders.

Appetite loss. Digestive diseases. Psychiatric conditions. Medication side effects.