When most people think of weight gain, almost nobody talks about seeking professional help or consulting a nutritionist. They imagine it’s as simple as “just eat more food.”

But if you’ve ever tried to intentionally add healthy weight, especially in Nigeria, where everybody has advice, you’ll know it’s not always that easy. 

Sometimes, your body needs more than just extra plates of rice or double wraps of amala. It needs a proper plan, and that’s where a nutritionist comes in.

 If you’re wondering whether it’s time to stop DIY-ing your weight gain journey, here are 8 signs that you might need professional help.

You Need a Nutritionist if You Eat a Lot, But Nothing Is Showing

You eat well, talk about rice, beans, swallow, small chops, even midnight noodles, but nothing happens when you look in the mirror. It’s almost like your body is ignoring all that effort. This can be frustrating, especially when you’re doing your best to eat more, but the scale refuses to cooperate.

The issue could be that you’re eating high-volume food with low nutrients. For example, eating a big plate of white rice and stew might fill you up, but it won’t necessarily help you gain healthy weight if it lacks protein, healthy fats, or essential micronutrients.

A nutritionist can help you strategise your meals and show you how to balance carbs, proteins, and fats in a way that your body responds to. They’ll also factor in your body type, metabolism, lifestyle, and even eating habits to create a plan that works specifically for you.

Your Family Keeps Asking, “Are You Eating at All?”

You know that Nigerian-style family concern, one minute you think you’re doing okay, next minute your mum says, “This your body, ehn… Are you sure you’re eating well?” And once your aunts or uncles join in, the pressure starts to mount.

In many homes, looking lean automatically equals “something is wrong.” You might be eating a proper diet (or at least trying), but if the results aren’t visible, people around you might start making you feel insecure or worried.

This is where a nutritionist steps in to give clarity and confidence. They’ll help you understand your body type, because not everyone is meant to be thick or bulky. Some people are naturally slender, and that’s okay. But if weight gain is your goal, a professional will show you how to get there.

You Need a Nutritionist if You’re Tired All the Time

You’ve eaten breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but somehow, you still feel like you ran a marathon in your sleep. That tiredness, sluggishness, or lack of energy, even when you’re eating well, could be a sign that your body isn’t absorbing nutrients properly.

Maybe the problem is that you’re not eating smart! Now, don’t see this as a personal attack. Here’s what we mean: your body needs certain nutrients to create energy, like iron, B vitamins, protein, and good fats. Without them, your food might fill your stomach but leave your body on “low battery” all day long.

A nutritionist can identify where you might be missing out. Maybe your meals lack diversity, or maybe you’re skipping essential micronutrients. They’ll recommend the right balance that ensures your food fills your belly and powers your body.

 You Need a Nutritionist if You want to Build Muscle

Imagine yourself as a guy with broad shoulders, firm arms, maybe a little chest action, and, for the ladies, curves that are curving in the right places. Sounds good, right? 

That’s where building lean muscle comes in. You can’t add this type of muscle or weight with junk food. Although junk food might make you add size, it’ll be the wrong kind of weight, mostly fat, especially around the belly. You’ll end up feeling bloated and sluggish instead of strong and toned.

You may even be going to the gym or doing home workouts, but you won’t see results if your nutrition is wrong. Muscle gain requires the right amount of protein, carbs, and healthy fats timed around your workouts. A nutritionist will create a diet that supports muscle recovery and growth so that your sweat shows.

You’re Losing Weight Instead of Gaining

This one can be scary. You started the weight gain journey thinking it would be simple. You eat extra, snack more, and even take weight gain supplements, but instead of increasing, the number on the scale is doing a downward slope.

Unintentional weight loss can be a red flag and might be due to poor nutrient absorption, stress, underlying health issues or eating habits that don’t match your body’s needs.

Studies have shown that nutrition counselling significantly improves weight gain outcomes. So instead of guessing or panicking, a nutritionist will do a full check by looking into your diet, your health history, and even your stress levels. They’ll help you fix the leak in your weight gain journey so you’re not pouring effort into a bucket with holes.

You Have Health Conditions That Affect Your Weight

Sometimes, the problem isn’t even about food. Some health challenges like hyperthyroidism, gastrointestinal issues (like ulcers or IBS), mental health struggles (like anxiety or depression), diabetes or hormonal imbalances may also impede weight gain.

These health conditions can affect your appetite, digestion, or metabolism. And no matter how hard you try to eat more, your body just won’t respond the way you want.

This is where a nutritionist who understands medical nutrition therapy comes in. They’ll work with you (and even your doctor, if needed) to create a safe and effective meal plan that supports your condition and helps you gain weight in a way your body can handle.

You Need a Nutritionist if You Have a Fast Metabolism 

You know that thing where you eat a heavy meal, and two hours later you’re hungry again like you didn’t just devour a bowl of fufu? That’s a sign of a fast metabolism. It’s like your body burns food like Lagosians burn fuel on the Third Mainland Bridge.

While a fast metabolism is a blessing to some, it can be a serious obstacle for someone trying to gain weight. It means your body needs more frequent calorie-dense, nutrient-rich food.

Here’s the good part: a nutritionist can help you outsmart your metabolism. They’ll recommend snacks and meals that pack a nutritional punch without making you feel like you’re constantly force-feeding yourself. They would recommend nutrient-rich smoothies, healthy oils, nuts, dairy, and small, consistent meals that stick.

You’re Relying on Just ‘High-Calorie’ Junk

Many people trying to gain weight believe that as long as the food has calories, it’s fair game. But there’s a huge difference between healthy weight gain and just being plump and tired.

Overloading on pastries, fried food, sweet drinks, or processed stuff will only mess with your digestion, increase belly fat, and might even raise your cholesterol. Na weight you wan gain, no be wahala.

A nutritionist helps you make better choices on foods that are both calorie-dense and nutrient-rich. They’ll help you explore better options like avocados, whole grains, nut butters, eggs, yoghurt, and lean proteins so that your weight gain adds value, not trouble.

Conclusion

Gaining weight the right way is not eating anything that comes your way. It’s about understanding your body, choosing the right foods, and following a plan that makes sense for your lifestyle.

 If you noticed yourself nodding at even one or two of these signs, then maybe it’s time to call in a professional.

A good nutritionist will help you gain weight and make you feel stronger, healthier, and more confident. Because at the end of the day, your goal shouldn’t just be to add weight but to add a better quality of life.

Enough of the trial and error, your body deserves the best. Consult an expert today!