Q: I am a 23 old student. I am just 40-42 kg. I have never exceeded 43 kg. I want to gain weight. I used to play karate during my school time & now I have started the game once again after a gap of about 3 years. I have good stamina, but my eating power is very less. Many a times I can't eat in time as I was in college or busy somewhere else. My eating capacity is about half than what my friends have of my age. Frankly speaking, I cannot improve my eating capacity. Can you suggest me some other alternative or some liquid or weight gain powder which I take as a nutrient which could help me in gaining weight without any side effect. Which fruits should I take? Actually I want to join army, and I should be more than 50 kg in 3 months.

A:There are many nutritional supplements, but these are only advisable for patients with severe diseases such as inadequate bowel function. If frequent snacks with high calorie content (such as dates and avocados) are not acceptable, formal nutritional planning with a counsellor may be needed. Eating patterns can become bad habits and need to be corrected in anyone of inadequate weight who does not have a causative physical illness.