Methods for weight gain in women are basically the same as methods for weight gain in all people, including men. It can be achieved by increasing calorie intake; you should gain weight if you consume more calories than you burn. Weight gain can also happen through weight training, although the goal of this should be to build muscle, not to burn calories.
Eating more during the day can be accomplished by eating bigger meals or eating more often. This does not mean, however, that any food will do. In order to be a suitable weight gainer for women, meals should be balanced with the right amounts of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Protein should comprise up to 50% of calorie intake followed by carbohydrates such as brown rice, oats and whole grains. Indiscriminate eating of unhealthy junk food containing saturated fat will not only lead to ill health but fat in areas that may not add to an overall pleasing appearance.
Smaller snacks should include energy-dense nuts, seeds and dried fruits. Sandwiches with peanut butter, avocado or cheese also fit the bill. Many women who are trying to gain weight find it easier and more beneficial in the long run to eat six smaller meals during the day rather than three bigger ones.
Weight gain supplements may seem like a good solution, but care needs to be taken if you are choosing this option. Weight gainers fall into two categories: those full of sugar and fat and those of a higher quality, with good nutrition values. Very few supplements are free of harmful substances and preservatives, so this is not always an ideal weight gainer for women or men. If you simply cannot put on weight by food alone and choose to take supplements, however, make sure you read labels carefully and choose the best quality supplement. Meal replacements in the form of protein drinks can also be beneficial if they are nutritious.
Exercise should involve body building regimes, but women need to worry that they will develop more muscle than they'd like. Any resistance training should help increase muscle size without burning calories, whereas aerobic exercises are more appropriate for those who wish to lose weight. Therefore, a great weight gainer for women is a program involving weight lifting. Muscle weighs more than fat, so when the muscle-to-fat ratio favors the former, this can be a great weight gainer for women.