Dr. Gott: Protein Supplement May Reverse Weight Loss

Dear Dr. Gott: What I’m writing you about may seem odd at this time when everyone is dieting. I’m 5 feet 41/2 inches tall and weigh 91 pounds. I have an enormous appetite and take oodles of vitamins. I’ve been told my metabolism is low, yet nothing I do seems to put the weight on. Please print something on my disorder.

Dear Reader: From your brief description, I’d say that your metabolism is high, rather than low; you seem to burn your food for energy, so that no calories are left to be stored as fat.

Under the circumstances, I would be suspicious about an overactive thyroid gland. Make sure your doctor has checked out this possibility.

Of course, you may simply be a perfectly healthy person who can’t gain weight, either because of strenuous physical activity or your genetic predisposition.

Although being overweight is a more common health problem, sometimes people stay skinny despite phenomenal caloric intakes.

Assuming that your family physician has examined and tested you to make sure you’re in good health, here is a suggestion that I’ve found helps slim people put on a few pounds: Use a protein supplement.

Such supplements (Carnation Instant Breakfast and others) are readily available in most supermarkets. Mix an appropriate amount of powder in a glass of milk and drink it once a day. This will give you the nutrition and calories of an extra meal and should enable you to gain weight. Remember that these supplements must be taken in addition to (not in place of) three nutritional meals.

Based on the information you supply, I’d call you “exceedingly slim.” Therefore, you may feel comfortable gaining 5 to 10 pounds. The protein supplements should allow you to reach this goal.

To give you related information about the relation between calories and weight, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Weight Control Through Calorie Control.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

Dear Dr. Gott: I am considering using Viagra about twice a week. Is this drug safe?

Dear Reader: I am not aware of any significant side effects of Viagra, except for prolonged erection, as stated by the manufacturer. You should address any other complication about its use with your private practitioner.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Erectile Dysfunction.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

Write Dr. Gott c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave. 4th floor, New York, NY 10016