Thin man wants to gain weight

Hi, Nanay,

MANILA, Philippines - I’ve always been an avid reader of your Sunday column. I can relate to the problem of the letter sender on Sept. 9. I read your article regarding a high school guy that wants to lose weight. However, my problem is the other way around. I am a guy who is 6’2” but very thin since my high school days. I’ve already tried a lot of food supplements but I guess they’re not effective with me. What’s the best way I can do so that I can gain weight faster? Thanks! — A

DEAR A,

You cannot gain enough weight? I know many people who would gladly trade places with you!

Having said that, I also understand how some people find themselves too thin and cannot seem to gain weight no matter what they do. My only advice is for you to make sure that if you do try to gain weight, just like anyone who is trying to lose weight, make sure you do it in a healthy manner. I am not a nutritionist or a doctor so I do not want to give you any advice that may turn out harmful to your health. So my suggestion is for you to talk to your doctor or specifically look for a nutritionist who can perhaps put you on a weight gain program.

Good luck and do not forget to stay healthy!

Sincerely,

NANAY

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Making fitness a reality

Dear Nanay (and Derek Piolo),

Your column on weight loss has come to my immediate attention and I would like to thank you for supporting my online weight loss story. I totally agree with you, Nanay, that there are no shortcuts or tricks to getting in shape. I’ve been an obese kid my entire school age life and I know exactly what Derek Piolo is undergoing. My simple unsolicited advice is just hate quitting. Imagine this, from 250 pounds wearing triple X-size shirt and a waistline of 42, now I’m just 160 pounds, wearing a medium size shirt and I have a waistline of 30 inches. Just believe that you can do it and the change that you want in yourself must come from your heart.

Here are three easy steps in making your fitness goal a reality: 1) Write down your fitness goals. Ask yourself many times what is it that you want to see in the coming months. Be focused and determined. Keep that “I can make it happen!” attitude alive; 2) Proper nutrition helps a lot. Forget junk foods and sodas for now. Have a healthy meal plan but always treat yourself to a “cheat day” once a week; 3) Exercise must be part of your lifestyle. Jog, run, stretch, crunch, hop and walk. Do gym training at least thrice a week and be active in sports.

Don’t quit easily. Stay positive, in time you’ll appreciate a new you. I’m not a fitness professional but I have overcome obesity because of my faith in discipline and that’s the secret of fitness. I’m happy to announce that my fitness entry made it to the finals of the Global Childhood Obesity Challenge in the United States this September highlighting an all-Filipino innovative fitness programs by The Biggest Loser coach Jim Saret’s 5-Minute Exercise and Edward Mendez’s Eat More, Exercise Less concept. I would love to be of service to anyone who wants change in their lives through fitness. Feel free to reach me on Twitter @jamescuenca, my Facebook page: James Penalosa or my website www.jamespenalosa.blogspot.com.

Let’s start making our nation a healthy place to live in.

All the best.                  — JAMES PENALOSA

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