Need to gain weight

One possibility is Exocrine Pancreas Insufficiency (EPI) where the pancreas is producing less digestive enzymes required for digestion so vitamins and nutrients can be absorbed through the intestine. As we age, the pancreas can undergo atrophy resulting in decreased function. The fecal,elastase test is used to determine if their is an insufficiency of the pancreatic enzymes amylase, lipase and protease. If found to be low, supplemental enzymes can be taken to restore digestive function.

in reply to @hawkssr I too have the same problem, and it is attributed to the dilation of my liver and pancreatic ducts which were discovered incidentally almost 4 years ago. I wish I had your appetite, as I have none, and have to set timers to remind me to eat. I have lost 40 pounds in one year, and while I have gotten used to my "new" look, it disturbs many. Let me know when you find out what is causing your weight loss. I recently had the tests described by @stageivsurvivor and they were all relatively normal. I remain a medical mystery.

Hi Hawkssr,

Sorry to hear that you're struggling to gain or maintain weight. As others have said, it would be wise to speak to a doctor if you have not already, since unexplained weight loss could be a symptom of a host of issues.

Also recommend to try to maintain any activity that you are already such as your daily walk. Muscle sarcopenia has one of the strongest correlations to premature death in the elderly, so let's try to stave that off as long as possible.

To increase your intake of readily digestable calories, consider adding MCT oils to your diet either through by adding a little to meals that you are already eating (goes well enough with coffee) or by making homemade shakes. Medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) are a special kind of fat that goes directly to the portal vein and from there to the liver without going through the normal fat absorption and digestion process, and I can buy a big bottle at my local Costco for $20, and it lasts me at least a month. 11g (less than a teaspoon) has 100 calories, so a little bit a few times a day could add up. Note that if you add to much to your diet right away you may get diarrhea because your body is unused to processing so much at once, recommend starting with one light teaspoon a day and increasing your "dose" every few days if you have no ill side-effects. Good luck.

My weight loss is similar to yours. I was diagnosed with anorexia with unintended weight loss and was down to 115 literally skin and bones. My body was not taking in nutrients even though I ate all day. I had my feed tube put back in 45 days ago and we adjusted my anti depressant and added olanzapine for Nausea. The side effects for the olanzapine is weight gain, increased hunger and thirst and help sleeping I’ve gained 25 lbs in 33 days and I’m also able to eat things I haven’t ate since my surgery in Dec. 2023.
Maybe something to check into I know how hard eating problems are. Hope you find what you need . Prayers and Gods blessings for you

Similar to me. I lost ~20 lbs over 6 yrs without trying. Got scrawny. Had to beg Dr. for tests. Did fecal test and came back with Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI).

I am a fitness freak. Trying to gain is tough. Zenpep cleared up all the diarrhea etc, but gaining is proving hard. But at least not losing anymore.

See if gastro will order the test for you.