You need to go on a diet!

 Stand on a scale and get your weight in pounds, then divide that by your height in inches squared and then multiply the result by 703. With reference to the Body Mass Index (BMI), if it falls below 18.5 you are underweight, between 18.5 to 24.9 it's normal, 25.0 to 29.9 means overweight, 30.0 and above means you are obese. While being slim or staying in shape as we like to put it is considered to be chic, we are constantly being misguided by images of underweight celebrities and models. There is an optimal weight for every individual! And this is dependent on body frame and variation in size and density of induvidual bone structures and this can be determined using the BMI index described above. The hazards of eating disorders and obsessive thinness among young girls and women are far more than the cosmetic benefits. Dysfunctional eating, nutrient deficiencies and acute weight loss can be reversed using a simple meal plan. A healthy body weight would literarily spare you a lot of headaches as well as a few other illnesses associated with manultrition. Or, you thought that word is only reserved for kids suffering from kwashiorkor. No, adults do suffer malnutrition and it stems from eating disorders, like skipping meals, eating junk and taking unbalanced diet. Although some illnesses lead to loss of weight, two forms of eating disorders known as anorexia and bulima have been identified as culprits where underweight adults are concerned. Anorexics are those who skip meals and by so doing do damage to their heart, liver and kidneys. Subsequently they begin to lose their hair, develop muscle weakness and joint pains, some even starve themselves to death. Bulimics on the other hand are into binging (excessive alcohol and junk food consumption) and purging, which causes stomach, teeth and throat damage due to excessive vomiting. Loss of potassium from constant vomiting invariably leads to heart failure, brain damage and death. The list of illnesses that plaque underweight adults are endless, osteoporosis (porous bone), anaemia (insufficient red blood cells) and ineffective immune system. In women, it is known to cause loss of period which is not necessarily an indication of pregnancy, irregular period, as well as problems of infertility. Immune System Deficiencies can take the form of diseases like rickets, scurvy and anemia or recurrent illnesses and constant fatigue. For the elderly, symptoms such as poor memory, increased colds and flu due to a less effective immune system, osteoporosis, decreased muscle strength and hypothermia are common. Children may stop gaining weight or lose noticeable weight, after illnesses such as diarrhea, vomiting, or due to poor appetite, or low energy level. Additionally, children and adolescents who experience a sudden weight loss may be showing symptoms of Diabetes Type 1 and conducting a simple diabetes test could clear this. If you constantly experience fatigue, pain in the chest and shortness of breath you may be suffering from anemia. And you need to begin a weight gain diet, which entails eating lots of leafy green vegetables like pumkin leaves and spinach. Your weight gain diet menu list should include, boiled or fried irish potatoes, sweetened beverages, unprocessed red meat, processed meat (like sausages and satis), vegetables (including carrots, lettuce, spinash), whole grains, fruits and nuts, youghurt and milk. Weight gain meal plan A BALANCED meal constitutes 25 to 30 percent fat, 10 to 15 percent protein and 55 to 60 percent carbohydrates prepared from whole grains and sweet potatoes and from lean proteins such as chicken breast, fish, beans and very lean beef, unsaturated fat such as palm oil or groundnut oil, seeds and fatty fish. To induce a weight gain faster your meal plan would include additional measures of 100 to 200 calories of protein at dinner 170 calories from a cup of whole wheat pasta at lunch and 150 to 200 more calories from a boiled or fried egg, toast or sandwich at breakfast. If your stomach will only accomodate a little at a time, your breakfast should include something like oatmeal with milk. For lunch, turkey stew whole wheat bread with a slice of avocado and some chili. At dinner, eat fried rice or whole wheat pasta with chicken and a small salad. Vegetables and fruits should come last on the menu, eat them last so they do not make you too full. From time to time, take beverages, milk or juices but do less drinking during meals, in order not to diminish your appetite. Investing in a balanced diet for your family would eventually save you loads of cash you will be forced to spend on drugs or as hospital bills. So when I say you need to go on a diet, I am not saying eat less, I am saying, eat more!