Some skinny children are genetically predestined to be thin. These children often started out as thin babies and continued to follow the same lanky growth curve throughout their childhood. Although a thin build might seen enviable to people who want to lose a few pounds, being underweight can hurt a child's self-esteem and interfere with her ability to play certain sports. Sudden weight loss, or slow weight gain, can indicate potential health problems, especially if it occurs in a child who had a normal-to-heavy build.
Significance
Kids who stay thin while their classmates begin to grow and develop might experience body image problems or poor self-esteem. They might want to make dietary changes to help them bulk up and change their bodies. Although underweight children often have strong psychological reasons for wanting to gain weight, Kids Health states that most kids have no medical reason to gain weight. Trying to help a child gain weight by feeding him unhealthy, fatty foods can increase his body fat, which can put him at a higher risk for health problems like obesity and diabetes.
Identification
The best way to ensure your child's weight is appropriate for her is to talk to your child's doctor. The doctor can mark your child's height and weight on growth charts that take into account your child's body mass index---a measure of whether her height and weight are proportional. This can determine whether your child is simply genetically thin or if an underlying medical condition might be causing the slow weight gain. The doctor might ask detailed questions about your child's diet to find out whether she eats balanced meals and what, if any, food groups your child might lack in her daily diet.
High-Calorie Foods
If your child's doctor determines that your child needs to gain weight, he can make some customized recommendations on how he can do so in a healthy way. BabyCenter, a parenting and child health website, suggests offering your child healthy, high-calorie foods to help him gain weight. Foods that BabyCenter recommends include: whole milk, cheese, creamed soups, puddings, yogurt, ice cream, macaroni and cheese, pasta, pancakes, mashed potatoes, hot cereals, eggs, peanut butter, beans and nuts. Adding "heart-healthy" sources of fat, such as avocados and vegetable oils, into your child's diet can increase his daily caloric intake.
Teach Your Child
Involving your child in the food selection and meal preparation process can make her more likely to eat the foods you choose. BabyCenter urges you not to let your child skip meals. In order to gain weight, she will need to eat frequently throughout the day. Make sure she doesn't fill up on beverages, like fruit juice or milk, right before the meal since these can diminish her appetite for real food.
Warning
Avoid feeding your child junk food, like fast food, chips or cookies, to help him gain weight quickly. Dr. Stephen R. Daniels, a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics committee on nutrition, cautions that children learn healthy eating habits early in their lives. If you teach him to eat junk food, it can be hard for him to discontinue the habit after he puts on the desired weight.
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