In a world where so many people are overweight or obese, finding information on how to help children gain weight is often difficult. It generally occurs when a child experiences a prolonged loss of appetite, but it could be caused by food allergies, food intolerance, the inability to properly absorb nutrients or eating the wrong food. Stress the importance of food to your children, give them a balanced diet and stimulate their appetite.
Causes
A child's weight is determined by diet and exercise. Children are generally very active and burn off a lot of calories throughout the day, so if they do not eat enough, they will be underweight. Most children are picky eaters, and a lot of underweight children simply are not eating enough. Your child could be underweight because of digestive problems, explains Baby Center. If he is vomiting or has diarrhea or heartburn, take him to a doctor because this could explain his weight. Genetics could cause your child to be underweight. Another cause could be thyroid disease. In any case, visit a pediatrician for a full diagnosis.
Effects
If your child has recently gone through a growth spurt; has a healthy, balanced diet; and exercises regularly, it is perfectly natural for her to be slightly underweight. However, if she has a body mass index lower than the fifth percentile of her age, which is worked out by dividing weight in pounds by height in inches, then she could be at risk of negative side effects. These include anemia, diabetes, osteoporosis and a weaker immune system.
Prevention and Solution
If your child is not eating enough, you must change his eating habits and may need to alter your family's overall eating habits. If you rely on small meals and quick fixes, you should consider setting a time for the whole family to sit around the table and eat together. Make meal times fun with lots of talking and perhaps your child's favorite music. To stimulate his appetite, consider giving him his favorite food. Even if it is not particularly healthy, it is better than nothing. Then slowly introduce healthier alternatives. Healthy snacks in between meals will boost his calorie intake. If your child's weight problems stem from something deeper than picky eating, a pediatrician will advise on the best treatment.
Foods
Give your child large portions of healthy carbohydrates such as whole-meal bread and pasta, wild rice, and potatoes throughout the day to help her gain weight. Give her at least one portion of lean meat, such as chicken, turkey or flank steak, or fish every day because the protein will build up her muscles. Dairy produce will help her bones grow. Give her a cup of milk or an ounce of cheese twice a day, as well as five portions of fruit and vegetables. Junk food and candy may be necessary at first to stimulate her appetite but should be phased out eventually. Be creative when cooking and put a lot of different foods on the table for your child to choose from.
Considerations
Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia are rising among children, with 10- to 12-year-old kids particularly at risk, explains the American Academy of Pediatrics. Eating disorders carry serious health risks, so consult a doctor immediately if you suspect your child is deliberately vomiting or purposely shunning all food.
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