When Food Is A Chore

Nicola Moore looks at supporting Sharon, who has little interest in food, but wants to put on weight

- Nicola Moore

Sharon, 47, feels healthy but feels tired most days, putting this down to her busy schedule. “I wake early, and don’t go to bed before midnight most nights, so usually have about five to six hours’ sleep. I often feel like I burn the candle at both ends.” She takes vitamin D supplements (when she remembers) having previously been diagnosed with a vitamin D deficiency — she had been suffering with pains in her hip which radiated down to her knee and shin.

At 5’7’’ and weighing 7st 10lbs, she would like to put on weight, but with a nutritionally-balanced diet. She has been tested for hyperthyroidism (over-active thyroid) but this has come back normal.

“I struggle to put on weight and would love advice on how to do so. I feel thin and bony, and hate it when people comment on how thin I look.”

She has a small appetite, and although she tries to eat breakfast, she says after that, “things can be hit and miss”. She has always been slim and says her father was “like a string bean”.

“I struggle to eat larger portions. I get full quickly and think my stomach must just be small, as is my appetite. I have tried smoothies to try to consume more calories but got bored with those quickly. I have tried to snack on nuts and dried fruits, but found this boring after a while. I don’t think I eat that much chocolate and often refuse dessert, as I am already full. I thought about protein shakes, but do not want to resort to this, as it feels fake.”

There are no foods that she avoids, but she finds it hard to make food choices.