Most Americans would love to have the "problem" of being underweight. But it IS a problem for those who can't seem to gain weight easily.

First off, if there is a medical reason for weight loss, to the point of being noticeable, check with your doctor about choosing a high calorie diet that is right for you. Some medical conditions that cause weight loss are cancer (and its treatments), irritable bowel syndrome, anorexia, HIV and AIDS, Crohn's disease, and cystic fibrosis, among other medical disorders.

You might be aware of dietary supplements and energy drinks that are very high in calories for those who are seriously working out and trying to gain muscle mass. One such supplement, SupliMed Substi-meal, advertises that it was created by a medical doctor for weight gain. It says it is complete with necessary vitamins and minerals, proteins, fats, carbs, sugars and fiber to replace actual meals. [See suplimednutrients.com and ask your doctor about the product before using.]

But, MedcoHealth.com says commercial protein supplements will not help you gain weight and they add too much protein to the diet. WebMD.com says diets that are too high in protein can cause other health problems, like kidney stones, kidney failure, osteoporosis and some forms of cancer.

Our bodies are made to burn carbohydrates. When you eat too much protein, the body reacts by burning fat, a state called ketosis. Ketosis can be avoided by eating at least 100 grams of carbohydrates per day.

If you are simply trying to gain weight quickly, plan to eat about 6 meals daily. Make sure you're eating about 500 calories a day more than usual. Even sugary products like milkshakes, jellies, jams, cakes and cookies can accomplish that goal easily.

Eating a balanced diet and managing weight long term should be taken seriously. You don't want to just gain fat and no muscle. Any kind of SAFE dieting program suggests eating healthy foods while exercising, to keep the body at an ideal weight while building muscle.

You should know your recommended weight for your height and body type. The average 165-pound man, between 19 to 24 years old, needs 3000 calories a day to maintain his weight. But, as we age, we need fewer calories, so that same man will only require 2700 calories daily from the age of 25 to 49. And even less beyond that.

An average woman, ages 19 to 24, will need 2100 calories daily to maintain a weight of 127 pounds. As she ages, up to 49, she will only need 1900

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