Why is it hard for a skinny person to gain weight?

Author: Sandrine Beier MD  |  Last update: Tuesday, April 29, 2025

A person's build depends largely on genetic factors, which is why it is difficult for a naturally thin person to put on weight. The human body can change to a limited extent through weight training and increased food intake. Gaining or regaining weight can be just as difficult as losing weight.

How can I gain weight if I am so skinny?

  • 1) focus on eating calorie-dense,
  • 2) nutritious foods like nuts, seeds, avocados, dairy, and lean proteins.
  • 3) Include strength training to build muscle and eat more frequent meals with healthy fats, carbs, and proteins.
  • 4) Avoid junk food for healthy weight gain.

Why am I so skinny and can't gain muscle?

Often referred to as “hard-gainers,” skinny guys might struggle to build muscle due to factors like a fast metabolism that burns calories quickly, less natural muscle mass, or a genetic predisposition. This makes it more challenging to create the calorie surplus needed for muscle growth.

How to bulk up if you're skinny?

The Most Important Thing for Putting on Muscle: Eat More Food. As they say, muscle isn't made in the gym, but in the kitchen: If you want to bulk up, you'd be better off working out twice a week for 30 minutes and eating enough calories/protein, than working out 6 days a week and not eating enough.

What does skinny fat look like?

What does “skinny fat” look like? Phenotypically, they look lean and healthy, but when we check them out they have high levels of body fat and inflammation. This ectomorph body build has hidden high levels of body fat. They appear thin and flabby.

7 Steps To Build Muscle (For SKINNY GUYS)

Why do skinny people struggle to gain weight?

You may become underweight for many different reasons. You may be born naturally small and your low BMI can be due to your genes. You may have a very high metabolism and find it hard to put on weight, even if you eat foods that have a lot of calories.

How to flush out water weight?

  1. Exercise Regularly. Daily exercise provides several health benefits, including preventing water retention. ...
  2. Drink More Water. Drinking water to reduce water weight sounds counterintuitive, but it helps. ...
  3. Manage Salt Intake. ...
  4. Cut Carbs. ...
  5. Focus on Certain Foods and Herbs. ...
  6. Try Supplements. ...
  7. Up Your Caffeine Intake.

Why is gaining weight so hard?

Some common reasons why a person may find it hard to gain weight include: genetics. not eating enough. having a very physically active lifestyle or job.

Which exercise is best for weight gain?

Best exercises for gaining weight
  • Pull-ups. Pull-up is an effective exercise for gaining weight. ...
  • Bench press. The bench press is a great exercise for developing your chest muscles. ...
  • Squats. ...
  • Tricep dips. ...
  • Crunches. ...
  • Burpees. ...
  • ​​Push-ups​ ...
  • Lunges.

What is the condition where you cant gain weight?

Many people with Marfan syndrome have difficulty gaining weight, especially when they are younger, no matter how much they eat and how many protein shakes they consume.

How do you fatten up a skinny person?

In general, your plan may include:
  1. Eating more frequently. Slowly begin to eat 5 to 6 smaller meals during the day. ...
  2. Choosing food with lots of nutrients. ...
  3. Top it off. ...
  4. Try smoothies and shakes. ...
  5. But watch what and when you drink. ...
  6. Exercise.

How thin is too thin?

Underweight is a condition when the body weight is 10-20% less than the average expected for one's height, age and sex. If the body weight is less by 20 % or more than ideal body weight, the individual is grossly underweight and it is a matter of higher concern.

Which medicine is good for weight gain?

Megestrol (Megace ES) comes as an oral liquid. Dronabinol (Marinol, Syndros) comes in oral capsules or a liquid. Growth hormone analogs, such as somatropin (Serostim), are typically administered as injections. These options provide various ways to help you gain weight gain effectively.

Why is my body holding onto fat?

1. Your Metabolism Will Slow Down to Store Fat. The more you work out or manage your calorie intake to lose weight, the more your metabolism wants to compensate by slowing down to maintain your current weight, this is called metabolic compensation. It kicks in to preserve and store fat for future energy.

What kills water weight?

Water weight is not usually a cause for concern, but it can be uncomfortable and recurring. Reducing salt and carbohydrate intake, keeping hydrated, and frequently exercising are all good ways to lose water weight and prevent it from returning.

Why am I super skinny but weigh a lot?

Muscle is denser than fat, meaning a kilogram of muscle takes up less space in your body than a kilogram of fat. So, even if you gain muscle and your weight on the scale increases slightly, you can appear slimmer and more toned.

What can I take to help put on weight?

Healthy foods to help you gain weight

Don't turn to chocolate, sweets and cakes, which are more likely to lead to fat gain rather than muscle. Instead, look for foods that are good sources of protein as well as higher in calories, such as dairy products, nuts, seeds and oily fish.

Why is my stomach getting bigger but not gaining weight?

Many women notice an increase in belly fat as they get older even if they don't gain weight. This is likely due to a lower level of estrogen because estrogen seems to have an effect on where fat is located in the body. Genes can contribute to an individual's chances of being overweight or obese too.

Why am I skinny but have a big stomach?

One reason for belly fat is a sedentary lifestyle. Even skinny people can spend too much time in front of the television or computer screen, and this can encourage what little extra fat they have to settle into the stomach. A diet high in processed foods can also cause belly fat, even in skinny people.

What BMI is skinny?

If your BMI is: under 18.5kg/m2 – you are considered underweight and possibly malnourished. 18.5 to 24.9kg/m2 – you are within a healthy weight range for young and middle-aged adults. 25.0 to 29.9kg/m2– you are considered overweight.

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