Although puberty is traditionally the time when teen boys begin to bulk up, gain weight, grow taller and develop a more defined physique, that isn't the case for everyone. And not every boy experiences these changes at the same time. Teen guys who are underweight and looking for a healthy way to pack on a few more pounds can do so with the help of nutrient and energy-dense foods.
Calories
Weight loss or weight gain is simple to understand when you think about it as a function of calories. If you consistently eat more calories than you burn, you'll gradually gain weight. If you burn more than you eat, you'll steadily lose weight. However, not everyone has the same calorie requirements. According to the Food Standards Agency, boys between the ages of 11 and 14 need about 2,200 calories per day, and boys between 15 and 18 need closer to 2,750 calories. In contrast, the average adult needs about 2,000 calories daily.
Foundation
It's not hard to put on a few pounds by stuffing yourself with doughnuts or ice cream sundaes -- but those foods don't grant any nutritional favors and will result in fat gain instead of a healthy balance of fat and muscle. To get all of the essential vitamins and minerals that proper growth and development requires, teens need to use healthy, nutrient-rich foods as the basis of any weight gain diet. At each meal, include foods from every group in MyPyramid, including lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, dairy products and grains.
Foods
In addition to eating a foundation of healthy foods, teen boys may need snacks and supplemental items to bump up their daily calorie totals. MayoClinic.com registered dietitian Katherine Zeratsky recommends snacking on high-calorie, nutritionally balanced foods. Examples include whole grains, seeds, nuts and nut butters, cheese, avocados, dried fruits and smoothies.
Considerations
Before you start your teen on a weight gain diet, schedule a meeting with his physician to discuss whether the diet is necessary. According to KidsHealth.org, the majority of teens don't need to gain and could experience an increased risk of health problems if they do. Boys who are on the skinny side may naturally become heavier later in their teen years, and continuing to follow a high-calorie diet at that point could result in your teen gaining too much and becoming overweight. In general, a weight gain diet is necessary only if your teen is unhealthily underweight or has a medical condition that makes it difficult for him to gain weight or keep it on.
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