ASK THE DOCTOR

I get exhausted very soon and I feel very weak. My BMI is less than normal (I am an ectomorph) and I am fairly tall. My face looks dull. What should I do to improve my health and make my face look radiant?

It's great to be an ectomorph. You don't gain weight easily. But you can definitely overcome your problems very easily. Eat more frequently. This is the only sure shot method to gain weight. Have 5-6 meals per day. This will also help to bring back the glow on your face.

I am 16 years old. I go to college by bus. Afterwards my skin becomes oily making me look dark (I wear a scarf). Please suggest a natural remedy to keep my skin fresh and healthy.

Welcome to urban and modern India with all its pollution! Very simple tips to take care of your skin: Wash your face frequently. Keep the skin clean and dry. Use a Ph balance face wash or one which says 'for oily skin'. Use a face scrub (apricot face scrub or any other) to clean your face once a week.

My height is around 5 feet. I really want to grow a few inches taller. I even include wholesome food like milk, fish etc. in my diet. Will my height increase at this age? Till what age does a girl's height increase?

A girl's height increases up to the age of 16-19 years till the secondary ossification of bones takes place. Our height is genetically pre-determined. We cannot do much about it besides trying. So eat well and exercise regularly. You may consult an endocrinologist in case your height is much less in comparison to the other members of your family.

My height is 4'8" and my weight is 35 kg. I want to increase my height. Please give me some possible ways through which I can grow taller. Also how can I reduce weight? Does cycling help in reducing weight as well as boosting height?

You are 4'8" in height and weigh 35 kg. You do not need to lose weight! I need to know your age also. Refer to Amrita's query above regarding height gain.

Dr Taher Kudrati, a flourishing, practising homeopath and Sveta Bhassin, a successful and well-known nutrition and diet consultant, will answer your health and nutrition-related queries.