*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature M: MRSA.

Healthy Ways To Gain Weight

Gaining weight can be difficult for some people. With a few changes, you can gradually reach a healthy weight.

Being underweight could mean you're missing out on vitamins and minerals.

This could lead to health problems such as a weak immune system and bone fractures.

Speak to a GP if:

you've lost weight suddenly
you've lost weight without changing your diet or exercise routine
you use the control of food to cope with feelings and other situations

This could be a sign of an underlying health condition.

Read more about unintentional weight loss.

Find out if you're underweight

Body mass index (BMI) is a measurement that can show you if you're a healthy weight.

You'll need your height and weight to calculate your BMI.

Use the BMI healthy weight calculator

Tips to help you gain weight

Do

gain weight gradually by adding healthy calories - adults could try adding around 300 to 500 extra calories a day
eat smaller meals more often, adding healthy snacks between meals
add extra calories to your meals with cheese, nuts, and seeds
have high-calorie drinks in between meals, such as milkshakes
have a balanced diet - choose from a variety of food groups, such as fruit and vegetables, starchy carbohydrates and dairy and alternatives
add protein to your meals with beans, pulses, fish, eggs and lean meat
have snacks that are easy to prepare, such as yogurt or rice pudding
build muscle with strength training or yoga - exercise can also improve your appetite

Don't

do not rely on chocolate, cakes and sugary drinks to gain weight
do not fill up on drinks before eating meals

Adding healthy calories

To add healthy calories, you could:

try free recipes on Healthier Families - filter by meal, ingredients or cooking time
follow the Eatwell Guide to learn more about what makes up a healthy diet
read more about calories to understand how to gain weight safely

Build muscle

Strength training or yoga can help you build muscle and increase your appetite.

Try free exercise videos at home on the NHS Fitness Studio

Get meals at home (meals on wheels)

If you struggle to cook or shop for yourself, you may be entitled to have meals delivered to your home. This is provided by your local council's social services.

Find out more about getting meals at home from GOV.UK

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature M: MRSA. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com.