Unwanted Weight Loss

Question
I'm male, 5'9", age 72. I've been gradually losing weight over perhaps 10 years, when I weighed about 150lbs. Doctors haven't given me an explanation. Today I'm down to 123lbs. People have asked me why I'm so skinny. It's really bothering me. I try to eat a healthy diet: No trans fat, low cholesterol and saturated fats (although I like nuts and have peanut butter and other nuts daily, also since they're considered very healthy). I take several medications: Low dose statin, synthroid, two antidepressants, and several supplements: lutein, milk thistle, glucosamine, vitamin D3, turmeric and green tea, or the brew, and a multivitamin/mineral tablet. I have a low risk myelodysplasic syndrome. The nuts at least are high in calories. One doctor suggested a liquid nutritional supplement sold over-the-counter, but the ingredients put me off---artificial flavors, colors, so I didn't try it.          

Thank you in advance for any help.

Answer
Hello Milton,

Thank you for your question! Assuming you've been to the physician and had everything checked out, my assumption would be that you are eating inadequate amounts of calories on a daily basis.

It's possible because you are focused on eating healthy, and sometimes that leads to over-restricting. Do you have a good breakfast, lunch, and dinner? Do you have snacks as well?

Check out MyPlate.gov for recommendations on planning a balanced diet and see how your diet fits in.

You mention you are taking antidepressants. Sometimes depression, or medication for depression, can lead to a poor appetite. This can lead to skipping meals as well.

If you don't like the idea of these artificial supplements, perhaps you can make yourself one. Just something like a milkshake, but don't be skimpy with the calories. Consider a heavier, higher calorie snack each evening, such as a bowl of low fat ice cream (since I assume you are avoiding high saturated fats for your cholesterol levels)--try Skinny Cow or Weight Watchers-- or a peanut butter sandwich and a glass of milk.

Let me know how it goes! Expect to gain slowly, just as you have lost. If you can increase your daily caloric intake by 250 calories a day you should put on about 2 pounds a month.

Laurie

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