Gaining Weight

Question by sfyates (Seattle, WA)
Posted on September 02, 2008

I need more belly fat to be able to inject insulin, How do I gain some fat on my abdomen without getting too heavy?

Amy's Answer

Amy Bragagnini, MS, RD, CSO, is a registered dietitian and…Read Full Bio

Just as it is not possible to “spot reduce” (lose weight in one specific area of the body), it is not possible to gain weight in only one particular region of your body. If you are underweight and need to put on a few healthy pounds, I would recommend following a well rounded diabetic meal plan. This would include balanced meals with foods from all of the food groups (fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats/dairy). I would also include a few healthy snacks between meals to help with weight gain. It also might be helpful to meet with a registered dietitian to assist you with meal planning. Finally, in regards to abdominal fat, studies have shown that excess belly fat may increase your risk of heart disease and cancer.