Health Experts Raise Alarm Over Unregulated Weight-Gain Solutions

In a culture dominated by weight-loss messaging, a growing number of underweight individuals are being overlooked—and increasingly pushed toward risky methods in their attempt to gain weight.

From gym advertisements to social media health content, the dominant narrative remains the same: lose weight, slim down, cut calories. But for many Nigerians struggling to gain weight despite eating regularly, this messaging offers little guidance—and even less support.

Health advocates warn that the silence around healthy weight gain is creating a dangerous gap—one that is now being filled by unregulated products and misleading advice.

However, for many underweight individuals, the challenge is not a lack of effort. Some report eating large meals daily with little visible change. Others face constant scrutiny, often in the form of jokes or dismissive comments such as “just go and eat” or “at least you’re not fat.”

These remarks, though common, can have lasting psychological effects. Experts say they contribute to feelings of shame, anxiety, and frustration—factors that can drive people toward quick but unsafe solutions.

In recent years, weight-gain syrups and supplements have flooded online platforms, particularly on social media. Marketed as fast and effective solutions, many of these products promise rapid results without medical backing.

However, health professionals are raising concerns about what these products actually contain.

Some formulations include cyproheptadine, an antihistamine known to increase appetite and cause water retention. While this may lead to temporary weight gain, it does not promote healthy muscle development.

More concerning are reports that certain products may contain  Steroids—substances capable of causing rapid weight gain but with serious long-term consequences.

Therefore, medical experts caution that attempting to gain weight through these shortcuts can lead to significant health complications, including:
* Hormonal imbalances, particularly affecting menstrual cycles in women
* Unwanted physical changes such as excessive facial or body hair
* Liver damage due to prolonged substance use
* Dependency, where users cannot maintain weight without continued use
* Increased visceral fat, raising the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and fatty liver disease

Compounding the issue is the lack of regulation. Many of these products are produced and distributed without proper testing, ingredient transparency, or approval from relevant health authorities.

Meanwhile,contrary to popular belief, gaining weight is not simply about eating more food. It requires a structured approach.

The body operates on a baseline number of calories—known as maintenance calories—needed for daily function. To gain weight, individuals must consume more than this baseline consistently.

Factors such as high metabolism, irregular eating patterns, low-calorie food choices, stress, poor sleep, and underlying medical conditions can all hinder weight gain.

Health professionals advise that individuals who struggle to gain weight despite adequate food intake should seek medical evaluation to rule out conditions such as thyroid disorders or digestive issues.

Moreover, experts emphasize that healthy weight gain rests on three key pillars:

* Caloric Surplus – Consuming slightly more calories than the body burns daily.
* Adequate Protein Intake – Supporting muscle growth rather than fat accumulation.
* Strength Training – Directing weight gain toward muscle development.

They also caution against relying on junk food as a solution. While calorie-dense, such foods often lead to unhealthy fat accumulation, particularly around vital organs, increasing long-term health risks.

Health advocates are calling for a broader conversation—one that includes both sides of the weight spectrum.

“Being underweight is not a choice for many people,” one expert noted. “And the answer is not in unverified supplements. It’s in consistent nutrition, proper training, and patience.”

As awareness grows, there are increasing calls for stricter regulation of weight-gain products and more inclusive health messaging—ensuring that those trying to gain weight are no longer left behind or pushed toward harmful solutions.

For now, the message remains clear: when it comes to weight gain, shortcuts may be fast—but they can come at a lasting cost.