During your child's doctor visits, your child's height and weight will likely be recorded on a growth chart that allows her doctor to monitor her growth patterns. According to Kids Health, a sudden change in growth patterns may indicate a problem. Although every child is different, there are some conditions that are known to cause weight gain.
Causes
Unexplained weight gain may be caused by hypothyroidism, a condition that occurs when your child's thyroid does not produce enough hormones. Depression, which the University of Michigan Depression Center states is common among children, can also cause weight gain. Cushing's syndrome, although relatively rare among children, can affect your child after prolonged exposure to the hormone cortisol and cause weight gain. Pulmonary edema, which is excess fluid in the lungs that may be due to pneumonia, exposure to toxins or living in high elevations, can also be a cause.
Other Symptoms
Conditions that can cause unexplained weight gain are often accompanied by other symptoms. Hypothyroidism can also cause fatigue, constipation, dry skin, brittle fingers and hair, short stature, poor mental development and delayed development of permanent teeth. Depression symptoms include irritability, reduced energy and changes in sleep and appetite patterns. Cushing's syndrome causes upper-body obesity in addition to stretch marks. If your child has pulmonary edema, he may experience rapid weight gain along with symptoms that develop gradually, such as shortness of breath and fatigue.
Testing
To determine the cause of your child's weight gain, she may need to undergo several tests. A physical exam may reveal the cause of her weight gain, and her doctor will ask several questions about her activity and eating habits. Hypothyroidism can be detected with a blood test. Cushing's syndrome may be diagnosed after a urine test or a CT scan or MRI that looks at her adrenal and pituitary glands. Pulmonary edema is diagnosed after a blood test or chest X-ray, and an evaluation for depression may be used if no medical cause for the weight gain is found.
Treatments
To stop your child's weight gain, the source of his weight gain must be treated first. If he has hypothyroidism, he may be prescribed a hormone medication. Psychotherapy and antidepressants can help treat depression, and radiation or medication that inhibits cortisol may be used with Cushing's syndrome. Medications are also available to help treat cases of pulmonary edema.
Considerations
Keep in mind that every child is different, and your child's weight gain may be caused by a number of different things. If you are concerned about her weight gain, or if she gains weight suddenly, talk to her doctor.
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