Final answer:
Regular exercise is essential for underweight individuals aiming to gain weight healthily. They should engage in 30 minutes of activity most days and consume more calories than they burn. Starting with moderate activity and progressively increasing it, along with monitoring food intake, is advised.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gaining Weight Healthily
For underweight individuals looking to gain weight, regular physical activity is a key component of a healthy approach. Engaging in at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days is beneficial for both general health and the process of weight gain. Exercise helps to build strong bones and muscles and uses energy that contributes to a caloric balance. To gain weight, it is crucial to consume more calories than what is expended through daily activities and metabolic functions.
Monitoring food portions is vital; underweight individuals should aim to consume nutrient-rich foods that can provide sufficient calories and are conducive to weight gain. It's important that the energy consumed from foods meets the energy expenditure required for bodily functions and the additional energy used during physical activity. Healthy weight gain is a balance of increased caloric intake and regular, moderate exercise.
Moreover, an all-or-nothing approach is discouraged. Beginning with small, manageable increments of exercise and gradually increasing the duration is more sustainable. Positive behaviors should be rewarded to encourage continued efforts, and consistent behavioral interventions can help establish and maintain healthy lifestyle changes.