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Underweight
I am underweight, I weight 44 kgs as a 19yr old ,5'2 female . I am genetically built very skinny like my father . I gain muscles if I workout and follow a diet but otherwise I am underweight . I want some prescribed medication, probably corticosteroid ,that can lead to weight gain .
Answers (17)
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Not a good idea or safe to take steroids for weight gain purposes.
Get some blood tests- CBP, ESR, TSH, HbA1C and liver function tests.
If the blood tests are fine, then you simply maintain a balanced diet and active lifestyle.
All the best.
J G S R clinic
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Can help you with the next course of action and treatment plan. Kindly consult via whatsapp at nine zero two nine six zero zero four seven zero.
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I understood your concern and noted the problem as well .I need to ask few more details to make a diagnosis and start treatment and advice which suits you. You can discuss via whatsapp on 971*66*33*129 or book here on practo.
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If you want to discuss your problem in more detail, feel free to message me on WhatsApp at nine one one nine two five five six nine nine for a free detailed discussion
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Ok
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First: Your weight is low, but your body type is genetic
At 5’2 and 44 kg, you are in the lower side of the normal range, but many people who are genetically thin stay that way unless they do proper nutrition + exercise.
You already noticed:
You gain muscle when you eat well and work out
You lose weight when you skip diet or routine
This means there is no disease — your metabolism is naturally high and your frame is naturally lean.
Very Important: Corticosteroids are NOT a weight-gain medicine
Steroids (like prednisone, dexamethasone, etc.) can cause weight gain, but it is harmful weight, not healthy weight.
They cause:
• Water retention
• Puffy face
• Fat on stomach and face (not muscle)
• Weak bones
• High blood sugar
• Acne
• Hormonal imbalance
• Menstrual irregularities
• Increased infections
• Risk of early diabetes and blood pressure
Doctors never prescribe steroids for weight gain unless there is a medical disease like adrenal issues (rare).
You are young — steroids will damage your hormones long-term.
Next Steps
1. Eat more protein in every meal
Protein directly builds muscle.
Examples:
• Eggs (2 per day)
• Paneer
• Curd
• Sprouts
• Chicken
• Dal + roti
• Soya chunks
Target: 60–70 grams of protein daily
2. Calorie-dense additions (healthy weight gain foods)
Add these daily:
• Peanut butter / peanuts
• Banana + milk shake
• Paneer paratha
• Ghee on roti
• Dry fruits (almonds, cashews, raisins)
• Whole wheat bread + cheese
• Oats with milk
These add calories without making you feel too full.
3. Strength training 3–4 days a week
This turns your calories into muscle, not fat.
Simple exercises:
• Squats
• Lunges
• Light weights
• Resistance bands
• Glute bridges
You already gain muscle well when you work out — this is your advantage.
4. Fix sleep & stress
Sleep 7–9 hours daily.
Poor sleep reduces appetite and slows weight gain.
5. Do these basic tests once
Just to ensure nothing is being missed:
• TSH (thyroid)
• CBC
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin D
• Fasting blood sugar
If all these are normal, weight gain becomes purely diet-related.
Health Tips
You are naturally lean, and that is okay.
With the right food + exercise pattern, you can easily reach 48–50 kg, which is a perfect target for your height.
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Need few more details for proper understanding of your issue.
You can consult with me online on Practo or whatsapp on eight three one eight four six nine eight eight six for proper diagnosis, conclusion and management
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Hello,
Your weight (44 kg at 5'2") puts you in the underweight range, but the key point here is this: being genetically lean does NOT mean you can’t reach a healthier weight. However, using corticosteroids just for weight gain is unsafe they cause hormonal disturbance, mood changes, bone loss, menstrual problems, and long-term dependence. Doctors never recommend them for cosmetic weight gain.
In most young females with a lean build, the actual issues usually are:
• High metabolism
• Inadequate calorie absorption
• Irregular eating routine
• Stress or overthinking affecting appetite
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Lack of a structured diet
• Sleep cycle problems
These are all reversible once we identify what your body is missing.
Instead of harmful drugs, what works is:
• A personalised calorie-dense diet plan
• Stepwise exercise pattern to increase lean mass
• Screening for thyroid, B12, Vitamin D, iron, and gut issues
• A proper, safe supplementation plan only after evaluation
Before advising anything, I need to know your appetite pattern, bowel habits, menstrual cycle regularity, sleep cycle, and daily routine these completely change the approach.
If you want a complete customised plan for safe, healthy weight gain without steroids, you can message me directly for a proper one-to-one consultation.
You can reach me on w.h.a.t.s.a.p.p nine three two six zero two zero five three six.
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No steroids(basically they are androgens)diet and excercise will help..give it some.time
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You can consult me directly on Practo, or reach out via WhatsApp:
Eight Seven Six Two Seven Four Nine Nine Seven Four
I’ll guide you step-by-step with easy-to-follow treatment plans.
Early consultation helps avoid complications — feel free to connect.
Only whatsapp message no calls
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Dr. Gaurav Jaiswal
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Jhansi
Avoid fried and spicy food
Water intake mor3
Do connect and consult
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Dr. Chaithra H
General Physician
5 yrs exp
Bangalore
Needs to be evaluated
Do consult
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Dr. Digvijay Vashistha
General Physician
1 yrs exp
Faridabad
If you need guidance, I’m here—feel free to book your consultation.
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Dr. Suraj Sharma
General Practitioner
4 yrs exp
Jaipur
Need some more details kindly consult
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Dr. Rachna Pande
Internal Medicine
42 yrs exp
Bhopal
Avoid steroids as they can cause many side effects , if taken for long.
Get your thyroid function tests, blood sugar done and share results.
For weight gain, take high protein, carbohydrates diet, do regular exercise.
Take regular meals .
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Dr. Anuj Mothsra
General Physician
6 yrs exp
Jhunjhunu
Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
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Dr. Nazia Begum M.G
General Physician
15 yrs exp
Belgaum
Do not take corticosteroid
Start some heavy protein diet
Take deworm medication
Whey protein
Good nutritious food lot fresh dry fruits
Consult online will guide you
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.