I am 23. My weight is only 43 kg and my height is 4 feet 9 inches. I want to increase both my weight and my height. Because of this I feel very self-conscious and mentally exhausted.
My appetite is normal, but even after eating my weight does not increase. Can height increase at this age? What diet and remedies does Ayurveda have for gaining weight? Should I get any tests done?
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Welcome to the world of health from Ayurveda conducted by Dr. Nikul Patel.
Direct answer: After 23, bone growth is usually complete, so height does not increase much. But good posture makes you look a little taller. Gaining weight is possible: first check the cause, then with nourishing food, better digestion and exercise, weight increases gradually.
Understanding the problem
Low weight can be due to heredity, fast metabolism, little or irregular food, worms, thyroid problems, diabetes, digestive problems or stress. If “weight does not increase despite eating”, tests are especially needed.
The Ayurvedic view
In Ayurveda being very thin is called Karshya. Charaka Samhita says that because of increased Vata, little and dry food, late nights, worry and overexertion, the body’s Dhatus (especially Rasa and Mamsa) do not get enough nourishment. In treatment, Brimhana (nourishing the body to fill it out) and improving Agni are the main approach.
Practical steps
- CBC, thyroid, sugar and stool (worm) tests, on a doctor’s advice.
- 3 meals and 2-3 nourishing snacks a day; do not skip meals.
- Exercise with weights 3-4 days a week (to build muscle).
- 7-8 hours of sleep, less stress.
- Upright posture to look taller; Tadasana, Bhujangasana.
Diet
- Milk, ghee in moderation, paneer, curd (in the daytime), bananas, dates, figs, almonds, peanuts.
- Dal, moong, chickpeas, rice, wheat; potatoes and sweet potatoes.
- Junk food does not build healthy weight; it increases fat and indigestion, so avoid it.
Medicine and Panchakarma
In Ayurveda, Brimhana herbs such as Ashwagandha, Shatavari and Vidarikand, and Deepana medicines for appetite and digestion, are considered useful. Regular Abhyanga (oil massage) calms Vata. The right medicine, dose and duration will be decided by the Vaidya after examining your condition. Advertised weight-gain powders or pills sometimes contain hidden steroids; avoid them.
When to see a doctor?
- Weight keeps falling despite eating
- Repeated diarrhoea, abdominal pain
- Excess thirst, excess urination, fast heartbeat
- Constant sadness or no wish to eat
Related Questions
Can height increase after 23?
Usually not much; good posture makes height look greater.
Are weight-gain powders safe?
Some may contain hidden steroids; do not take them without a doctor’s advice.
What is Karshya?
In Ayurveda, the state of excessive thinness, in which the Dhatus do not get enough nourishment.
In short: After 23, height usually does not increase much, but weight can be increased. First tests such as thyroid, sugar and worms, then nourishing food, exercise, sleep and Ayurvedic Brimhana care are helpful.
You can consult in person or online.
Dr. Nikul Patel (B.A.M.S.)
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