Question

Andy has been consuming a set number of calories and recently added an additional 100 calories in the form of a daily snack. Although he is not trying to lose weight, he has lost one pound per week over the last two months. He wants to increase his level of activity and exercise, and he wants to return to his weight from two months ago. Which strategy should he follow to prevent becoming underweight?
Increase his activity and exercise levels and add more calories to gradually gain weight
Increase his activity and exercise levels and eat the same number of calories to gradually gain weight
Increase his snacks to two or three per day until he reaches his target weight
Increase his calories consumed and do less activity and exercise until he reaches his target weight

Answer 1

A, Andy should increase his activity and exercise levels and add more calories to gradually gain weight. This is the most sustainable and easier to maintain as a lifestyle compared to the other three options. Simply increasing his snacks or exercise until he reaches his target weight is not sustainable. His goal is to reach a healthy weight, and then maintain that weight. Increasing activity builds muscle, and increasing calories gives him energy for the workouts as well as helps him gain some weight.