I Cannot Gain Weight No Matter What!

[jttrout]

Ive been gluten-free for about 2 years now and I cannot gain weight. My hunger comes and goes at odd times and i cannot figure out why!

Does anyone know of any weight gain powders that are gluten-free?

[tarnalberry]

How much are you eating and how much are you expending in calories? Assuming that you've got the gluten-free diet under control, and have been tested for issues with your thyroid, the first place I'd look is to see if you're eating enough calories. If you're hunger is coming and going, you may be eating too little. If you do a lot of exercise or physically challenging work, you may be burning too many calories for what you take in.

Can you give us a little more information to work with to try and help?

[KaitiUSA]

Haw many calories are you consuming? Are you very careful with your diet? Have you checked products you are using that could contain gluten you could accidentally ingest? There are many fatty foods we can have that are good for gaining weight. I had the same problem before. Ensure Plus gives 350 calories for one little bottle which measures to a cup. It tastes alot better then any weight gain powder that you will try in my opinion(also I think that they taste so much better chilled) I used to eat when I was hungry only to realize that I was not eating enough because my stomach was smaller since I had been sick. I had to eat alot more then usual and my stomach began to expand and I was getting hungry more frequently and gaining weight. If you need any help let me know

[Guest Viola]

Also take a look at the stresses in your life. Stress burns calories big time. The illness and diet itself causes some stress just worrying about what's in things, going out etc. Try and take some time for yourself to read, do a hobby, or just vegetate. It took me years to gain weight even after being really strict with my diet and stress was a huge part of it.

Hope this helps a bit

[Guest jhmom]

I have had trouble gaining weight too and have even lost some weight since being gluten-free (Sept 03).

I went to see a nutritionist recently, she was helpful as far as giving me ideas on different foods to try because my diet is even more limited because I cannot eat most fruits, veggies, nuts and red meat.

She said at BEST I was only getting around 1000 calories a day if that and that I needed at least 1800 calories to maintain my weight. She suggested adding more fat and sugar to my diet, a multi-vitamin, and eating more than 3 times a day. She also said Soy chocolate milk was loaded with fat and calories and suggested I drink 8 oz a day since I cannot drink regular milk without suffering

I would suggest keeping a food diary and montoring your calorie intake and possibly seeing a nutritionist for additional suggestions.

[Rikki Tikki]

Hi Jttrout:

I agree with Kaiti. I have had a hard time gaining weight, partly because I just don't find the gluten-free food tastes as good. What I finally started doing was making an Ensure milkshake. I use ice-cream and mix it with the Ensure-Plus. It helps put the calories back in my diet. I have also started taking the vitamins. I think I was in total denial about the celiac, and just decided to be stubborn and not eat. Anyway, once I figured that out I have been gaining.

[Generic]

For years I had problems gaining weight. I also felt hungry all the time, even after I ate. I would be physically full, but would still feel the hunger sensation. It is hard to gain weight on a gluten free diet, after all you are bascily following a modified Atkins diet. I drank Carnation instant beakfast in my milk with dinner etc. Ensure would also be an alternative. But I personally preferred the instant breakfast.

[Donna F]

Hi,

I'm in the same boat as you. I've been gluten-free for a year now and still can't gain weight. I'm pregnant now too, going into my 4th month and barely gaining anything at all. I crave the stuff I can't have and am bored with the things I usually eat. I just don't have enough variety in this diet, and quite frankly, I'm too busy and tired to cook all day, which leaves me trying to fill myself with little snacks all the time, like nuts, chips, yogurt, ice cream. I'm also somewhat lactose intolerant, meaning, I can have yogurt or ice cream later in the day, but I can not ever drink milk as a drink without feeling very, very ill. I don't like soy either, but, I have found goat milk to be a nice alternative.

Don't know if I've helped you at all, but at least you know you're not alone!

-donna

[Brian Allee]

NOW Sports has a gluten free weight gainer. It has 660 calories, and 36 grams

of protein. I get the vanilla flavor and add some frozen blueberries or strawberries.

Here are the ingredients:

Nutrition Info

Amount Per Serving % Daily Value

Serving Size 3 Rounded Scoops

Servings Per Container 20

Calories 660

Calories with 16 oz. of (1%) Low Fat Milk 865

Calories from Fat 48

Calories from Fat with 16 oz. of (1%) Low Fat Milk 90

Total Fat 5 g 8%

Total Fat with 16 oz. of (1%) Low Fat Milk 10 g 15%*

Saturated Fat 1.3 g 7%*

Saturated Fat with 16 oz. of (1%) Low Fat Milk 4.4 g 22%*

Cholesterol 25 mg 8%

Cholesterol with 16 oz. of (1%) Low Fat Milk 49 mg 16%

Total Carbohydrate 117 g 40%*

Total Carbohydrate with 16 oz. of (1%) Low Fat Milk 141 g 47%*

Dietary Fiber 2.5 g 10%*

Dietary Fiber with 16 oz. of (1%) Low Fat Milk 2.5 g 10%*

Sugars 61 g †

Sugars with 16 oz. of (1%) Low Fat Milk 86 g †

Protein 36 g 72%*

Protein with 16 oz. of (1%) Low Fat Milk 52 g 104%*

Vitamin A (from Retinyl Palmitate) 5,000 IU 100%

Vitamin A (from Retinyl Palmitate) with 16 oz. of (1%) Low Fat Milk 5955 IU 119%

Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid) 60 mg 100%

Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid) with 16 oz. of (1%) Low Fat Milk 60 mg 100%

Vitamin D 0 IU 0%

Vitamin D with 16 oz. of (1%) Low Fat Milk 255 IU 64%

Vitamin E (from D-alpha Tocopheryl Succinate) 30 IU 100%

Vitamin E (from D-alpha Tocopheryl Succinate) with 16 oz. (1%) Low Fat Milk 30 IU 100%

Thiamine (from Thiamine HCI) 1.5 mg 100%

Thiamine (from Thiamine HCI) with 16 oz. (1%) Low Fat Milk 1.6 mg 107%

Riboflavin 1.7 mg 100%

Riboflavin with 16 oz. (1%) Low Fat Milk 2.5 mg 147%

Niacin (from Niacinamide) 20 mg 100%

Niacin (from Niacinamide) with 16 oz. (1%) Low Fat Milk 20.5 mg 103%

Vitamin B-6 (from Pyridoxine HCI) 2 mg 100%

Vitamin B-6 (from Pyridoxine HCI) with 16 oz. (1%) Low Fat Milk 2.2 mg 109%

Folic Acid 400 mcg 100%

Folic Acid (with 16 oz. (1%) Low Fat Milk 400 mcg 100%

Vitamin B-12 (as Cyanocobalamin) 6 mcg 100%

Vitamin B-12 (as Cyanocobalamin) with 16 oz. (1%) Low Fat Milk 8 mcg 133%

Biotin 300 mcg 100%

Biotin with 16 oz. (1%) Low Fat Milk 300 mcg 100%

Pantothenic Acid (from Calcium Pantothenate) 10 mg 100%

Pantothenic Acid (from Calcium Pantothenate) with 16 oz. (1%) Low Fat Milk 12 mg 120%

Calcium 365 mg 37%

Calcium with 16 oz. (1%) Low Fat Milk 890 mg 89%

Iron 0 mg 0%

Iron with 16 oz. (1%) Low Fat Milk 1.5 mg 8%

Phosphorus 6 mg <1%

Phosphorus with 16 oz. (1%) Low Fat Milk 440 mg 44%

Iodine (from Kelp) 75 mcg 50%

Iodine (from Kelp) with 16 oz. (1%) Low Fat Milk 75 mcg 50%

Magnesium 7 mg 2%

Magnesium with 16 oz. (1%) Low Fat Milk 60 mg 15%

Zinc (from AAC**) 7.5 mg 50%

Zinc (from AAC**) with 16 oz. (1%) Low Fat Milk 10 mg 67%

Selenium (from L-Selenomethionine) 35 mg 50%

Selenium (from L-Selenomethionine) with 16 oz. (1%) Low Fat Milk 50 mcg 71%

Copper (from AAC**) 500 mcg 25%

Copper (from AAC**) with 16 oz. (1%) Low Fat Milk 500 mcg 25%

Chromium (from Chromium Polynicotinate) (Chromemate®) 30 mcg 25%

Chromium (from Chromium Polynicotinate) (Chromemate®) with 16 oz. (1%) Low

Fat Milk 30 mcg 25%

Molybdenum (from AAC**) 37.5 mcg 50%

Molybdenum (from AAC**) with 16 oz. (1%) Low Fat Milk 37.5 mcg 50%

* Percent Daily Values are based on 2,000 calorie diet.

† Daily Value not established.

Details

Serving Size: 3 Rounded Scoops

Suggested Use: Add 3 rounded scoops to blender and mix with 16 fl. oz. of low fat milk or your favorite beverage. Blend on high speed for 30-45 seconds until completely mixed. For a frothy consistency, add 3-6 ice cubes to blender. Take 1-3 times daily after meals or before and/or after workouts. Also consider adding NOW® Flax Seed Oil for enhanced nutritional benefit. Please note the additional calories and nutrients provided by the above ingredients.

Free of: salt, yeast, wheat, gluten, preservatives, or artificial colors/flavors.

Other Ingredients: Maltodextrin, Fructose, Sweet Whey Powder, Whey Protein Concentrate, Natural Flavors, MCT (Medium Chain Triglycerides), Egg White Powder, Sodium Caseinate, Whey Protein Hydrolysate, Whey Protein Isolate , Xanthan Gum, Vitamin and Mineral Blend [Ascorbic Acid, Biotin, d-alpha Tocopheryl Succinate, Zinc AAC**, Vitamin A Palmitate, Niacinamide, Molybdenum AAC**, Kelp, Calcium Pantothenate, L-Selenomethionine, Copper AAC**, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine HCI, Thiamine HCI, Riboflavin, Cyancocobalamin and Chromemate® Chromium Polynicotinate], L-Glutamin, Taurine and Enzyme Blend (Bromelain, Papain, Pepsin, Lipase (fungal source) and Lactase).

Warnings: Notice: Use this product as a food supplenment only. Do not use for weight reduction.

Disclaimers: *This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

AAC** Amino Acid Chelate

[Lauren M]

Oh boy can I relate!

Boost/Ensure have become a necessary evil for me. I've grown SO sick of them, but I need the extra calories, and plus, being a vegetarian, they give me some much needed protein. I do have to recommend the Boost pudding though - they aren't half bad. I've never seen them in a store, but you can order them from Walgreens catalog and I think through their website as well.

My main problem is that after experiencing pancreatitis almost 2 years ago, I'm afraid to pile on too much high-fat food.... but I love peanut butter and its high in calories and protein as well. That's my diet - just put peanut butter on EVERYTHING!