Gain weight- look better?

[Anonymous]

I’m 36 and very thin after multiple pregnancies. I feel like the dramatic weight gain and loss over 4 pregnancies has left me looking tired and gaunt. I’m not technically underweight but close.

Have any of you intentionally gained weight and did it make you look better/healthier? How did you do it? I know eat more is the obvious solution but any recommendations for protein smoothies or nutritious meals that worked well for you?

[Anonymous]

Every Jane Austen book has someone gain weight and look better. Most people look their best with some body fat. Just add delicious healthy fats to everything you can! Avocado, olive oil, salmon. Lucky you.

[Anonymous]

36yrs old, multiple pregnancies....sounds like you're exhausted! Focus on sleep first, then see how that affects how you feel and look.

[Anonymous]

Yes, gaining weight can make you look better/healthier, especially your face. I’m around 5’ and going from 98, which is technically low normal, to 115 made a huge difference. The funny thing is how many people said, “You look great. Did you lose weight?” - as if weight loss is the only possible way to improve your looks!

[Anonymous]

I’m 5’6” and after 3 pregnancies was 105. I gained to 120 and looked much better to others (I loved being super skinny though).

[Anonymous]

I am 5'7'' and have been everything from an almost emaciated 105 (why yes I most certainly did have an ED) and 155 (why yes I was a chunky teen which probably had something to do with developing an ED).

I am now a 42 yo mom of of teens, fitter than I've ever been but not excessively fit, and I weight about 138. I feel amazing and I am pretty happy with the way I look. It's a fine line between moon face and old gaunt face, but I am WALKING it and you can too!

[Anonymous]

OP here, thanks everyone for the responses. It’s heartening to know that some of you really did see improvement after putting on a little bit of weight. Also agree with the poster above that encouraged more sleep, my youngest is 2 now so I feel like it’s finally possible to get 8hrs of sleep.

While I think I’ve been socially conditioned to thing weight gain = bad I’m actually excited to see the results once I add 10lbs!

[Anonymous]

Yes, I look much better heavier. But it has to be the right weight. After my second pregnancy, I was gaunt and emaciated. Not hot. Gained a needed 15 lbs and my face looked great but my body was pudgy and soft. Started seriously working out and gained a lot of lean muscle. I now weigh 5 lbs more than that, and my body is tight and lean.

[Anonymous]

Yeah, when I get really low in body fat, people make comments to me about my health. When I am closer to a 20 bmi, I get a lot of "you look great!" compliments. You didn't ask this, but if you want a short cut, consider getting a tasteful amount of filler in your face to fake it.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I have the same issue - I look terrible when I’m too thin. I have to est plenty of full fat dairy, avocados, add olive oil to lots of things, etc. Definitely don’t skimp on healthy carbs like whole wheat bread, brown rice, and sweet potatoes.

[Anonymous]

Yes. I’m 5’8, after my 3rd pregnancy I was down to like 118-120. My face did not look good. I gained 10-15 pounds, and look way better now. I gained it through continuing to work out but also being healthier with my eating. I was stressed and not eating enough with three little kids so close together.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am 5'7'' and have been everything from an almost emaciated 105 (why yes I most certainly did have an ED) and 155 (why yes I was a chunky teen which probably had something to do with developing an ED).

I am now a 42 yo mom of of teens, fitter than I've ever been but not excessively fit, and I weight about 138. I feel amazing and I am pretty happy with the way I look. It's a fine line between moon face and old gaunt face, but I am WALKING it and you can too!

Yay for you!!! (that is NOT snarky!! I'm proud of you finding the right balance!!!)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, gaining weight can make you look better/healthier, especially your face. I’m around 5’ and going from 98, which is technically low normal, to 115 made a huge difference. The funny thing is how many people said, “You look great. Did you lose weight?” - as if weight loss is the only possible way to improve your looks!

This is me too. 5 feet tall and 115 is my perfect weight. When I dip lower - usually when training for a marathon - I look really gaunt.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes, gaining weight can make you look better/healthier, especially your face. I’m around 5’ and going from 98, which is technically low normal, to 115 made a huge difference. The funny thing is how many people said, “You look great. Did you lose weight?” - as if weight loss is the only possible way to improve your looks!

This is me too. 5 feet tall and 115 is my perfect weight. When I dip lower - usually when training for a marathon - I look really gaunt.

I’m also 5 feet, and my perfect weight was about 105. I have to drop below 100 to start looking gaunt/underweight (I was around 95 pounds in college). These days, I’m in my mid-40s and closer to 135 pounds so the opposite problem.

[Anonymous]

I’m 46 and around 140-145. My body looks more svelte at around 130-135, but my face looks unwell, and I generally look much older. I can also easily maintain this weight with moderate exercise that I enjoy and eating sensibly, without restrictions. I’m happy with my body (ah, the joys of aging! I was not happy with my body a decade ago or any time before that) and enjoy my lifestyle. Win-win.