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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Thin And Needs To Gain 20lbs. Tried Weight Training And Nutritionist. What Else To Do?

My son is 19 years old, and has been training to be a ballet dancer since he was 5. He is training at one of the top schools in the country. Unfortunately, he is not yet being sent out for auditions for companies, because of his size. He is close to 6 4 , but only ways about 145. He is extremely thin and needs to gain about 20lbs. His elbows are bigger than his arms, and his shoulder bones stick through his skin. We have tried everything. A nutritionist, Weight training, plenty of the right food, and high protein/carb/calorie shakes. He has had blood work done and it was normal. Is there any type of specialist for this type of thing?
Mon, 1 Apr 2013
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Dietitian & Nutritionist,  's  Response
Hi,

Since you son is very active with dance training, he must be burning lot of energy and have a high metabolism. You may try the following:
1. Replace plain water with fresh fruit juice and milk
2. Feed him once every 1.5 to 2 hours, this may comprise of sandwich (cheese, eggs, chicken) and a fruit shake apart from the main meal of breakfast, lunch and dinner.
3. You may start adding clarified butter or ghee to his diet. About 1-2 teaspoon everyday instead of refined oils.
4. Feed him whole milk instead of skimmed, low fat.
5. Consuming badam milk (almond milk) twice a week is also very helpful. If he doesnt like it much then ask your son to eat about a handful of nuts like almonds, cashewnuts, pistachios everyday.
6. Add raisins and nuts to food and desserts.
7. Try including rich Indian preparations like: Butter chicken, paneer makhani, butter naan, rabri, jalebi, kheer to his diet as well. (optional).
These may be few tips but if adhered to will be helpful. Please share how its working for you.
Good luck!
Regards
PD
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Is Thin And Needs To Gain 20lbs. Tried Weight Training And Nutritionist. What Else To Do?

Hi, Since you son is very active with dance training, he must be burning lot of energy and have a high metabolism. You may try the following: 1. Replace plain water with fresh fruit juice and milk 2. Feed him once every 1.5 to 2 hours, this may comprise of sandwich (cheese, eggs, chicken) and a fruit shake apart from the main meal of breakfast, lunch and dinner. 3. You may start adding clarified butter or ghee to his diet. About 1-2 teaspoon everyday instead of refined oils. 4. Feed him whole milk instead of skimmed, low fat. 5. Consuming badam milk (almond milk) twice a week is also very helpful. If he doesnt like it much then ask your son to eat about a handful of nuts like almonds, cashewnuts, pistachios everyday. 6. Add raisins and nuts to food and desserts. 7. Try including rich Indian preparations like: Butter chicken, paneer makhani, butter naan, rabri, jalebi, kheer to his diet as well. (optional). These may be few tips but if adhered to will be helpful. Please share how its working for you. Good luck! Regards PD