Dear Pastor,

I am 25 years old and I have a real problem with the way I look. It gets me really frustrated. I am 5'9", I weigh 117 lb and I am very skinny. I would like to gain weight but no matter what I do it just doesn't work. I don't feel comfortable in my clothes and I lack confidence because of this. It affects my studies and my work. There are times when I wear something to work and my co-workers tell me not to wear it again because of how it looks on me. If I wear a skirt, it's a problem. If I wear pants, it's a problem.

The doctor gave me something to take but this didn't work either because I seem to lose my appetite when I am on it. I would really like you to help me. I would like to gain most of the weight in my hips and bottom as these are what define a woman. I have had this problem since I was a teenager. The only change that took place during puberty was that I grew taller.

Please recommend something for me. Thank you.

T.H., St. Catherine, Jamaica

Dear T.H.,

Some females do not put on weight easily. In fact, some females do not gain weight until they are much older than you. You feel that you are underweight and you have been to the doctor and he advised you on what to do, but you have not gained weight. I hope that what I am about to say will help you. I know that it will if you stick to it.

Dr. John F. Knight has given some suggestions and I am passing them on to you. I'm sorry you did not mention whether you have small frame, medium frame or large frame.

Use 3-4 cups of milk

1 cup of light cream

4-6 ounces of protein

2 eggs

1 serving of wholegrain bread

4 servings of vegetables including

1 serving of green or yellow vegetables

2 servings of white or sweet potato, corn or beans

1 servings of another vegetable

2-3 servings of fruit (including 1

citrus)

4 tablespoons or more of butter or

fortified margarine.

Dr. Knight also says, "High-calorie foods to complete the calorie requirements of the day include: cereal, food like macaroni, rice, noodles, spaghetti, honey, molasses, syrup, hard sweets, glucose, salad dressing, cakes, biscuits and pastry in moderation, ice cream, pudding and sauces."

I wish you well as you change your eating habits. I am sure if you follow the suggestions made, you will gain weight.

Pastor