PUTTING ON WEIGHT

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 October 1939, Page 12

PUTTING ON WEIGHT

DIET AND EXERCISE The naturally thin patient, who looks as though a puff of wind would blow him away, frequently wishes to gain weight, writes Dr. Irving Cutter in the “Chicago Tribune.” He wants to look like other people. He may relate that for years he has been pursuing industriously a programme calculated to add to his poundage, but so far has been unable to change his build. Many thin men and women appear to be, and are, perfectly well. Appetite is good, elimination satisfactory, and for the most part they can work all day without the slightest sign of fatigue. On the other hand, a few tire more quickly than they should and an examination usually disclose a low blood pressure and little activity on the part of the thyroid gland. The question naturally arises: “Can anything be done to develop muscles and vital structures to the standard set by height and age?” With the discovery of insulin many of these persons were aided materially because this drug enabled them to assimilate more sugar and starch. The regime included more carbohydrates, with a small does of the hormone. While success has followed the plan, few patients will adhere to it because of the bother of taking the injections or because the diet is not particularly appetising. It has been shown, however, that if the individual’s desire to gain is intense enough it may be accomplished. The procedure requires more than ordinary skill and a thorough understanding of dietetics on the part of the physician.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION It goes without saying that at the outset a physical examination should be made as it is necessary to rule out misbehaviour on the part of the gland system or indications of chronic infection or malignant disease. Then comes a careful study of the patient’s daily routine, including the diet. In many instances it will be found that his programme is far from natural. Many will be markedly deficient in certain vitamins or minerals, although the total consumption of the principal foodstuffs is more than adequate. A few will be the possessors of phobias. One - exceedingly spare professional ma,n of my acquaintance had convinced himself that he could not drink milk. He had been told as a child that it did not agree with him and he must not touch it.' When it was suggested that he attempt small quantities as a trial he exhibited signs of panic. It just couldn’t be done! Nevertheless, he finally was persuaded to take a teaspoonful with each meal. While it occasioned no systematic disturbance he did not like it, but his physician insisted. Within six weeks he was using a quart daily and had begun to gain. Most of these persons realise that they cannot expect to add avoirdupois unless they consume a balanced—perhaps a larger—ration. They are advised to start the day with two or th’••’’’"es of warm to hot water, at least half an hour before breakfast. The first meal may then consist of whatever the patient desires. An excellent menu includes a soft egg, crisp bacon, fruit. Toast, and coffee or tea. Cereal with cream may be added if hunger demands. Some exercise, such as walking to work —at least part of the way—is recommended.

MILK IS THE BEST. The best gaining food in my experience is grade A pasteurised milk enriched with half a pint of cream to each quart. At least a glassful of this mixture should be taken at 10 a.m. Rarely will there be the slightest interference witli appetite for lunch. In lhe middle of the afternoon —say about 4 o’clock —another dose of milk cream is administered. The balance may be imbibed with the evening meal or at bedtime. The next instructions are to chew thoroughly all edibles so as to render the particles more accessible to the digestive secretions, and to take plenty of time. For a while, at least, coffee and tea are omitted except at breakfast. During the evening nothing should interfere with a twenty to thirty minute walk about 9.30—-two hours or so after dinner. Progress should be unhurried, with no effort to arrive anywhere at a given time. Sleep prob-< ably is more important than we realise. particularly for those with nervous dispositions. If slumber does not come immediately a not too exciting story will help. Mental complacency counts for much. Regularity and system form the

keystone of the arch. If for several months nothing is allowed to interrupt the routine, and there is no organic difficulty, 90 per cent, of our emaciated patients will gain.