Weight gain in kids is an important part of their development. A child is considered underweight if their BMI is below the fifth percentile when their weight is compared to their height. Being underweight during childhood might hinder their development rates. Thus, it is important to ensure that they get enough nutrients for their growth and development per their age (1). Various reasons might cause a child to be underweight. Hence, it is important to identify the root cause and modify their nutrition intake and diet accordingly. Read on to know the possible causes of your child being underweight and how to help them gain weight.
Why Is A Child Underweight?
A child may be underweight either due to an underlying health issue or other factors that impede the child’s daily intake of calories. These reasons may include the following (2) (3).
Less daily calorie intake due to general disinterest in eating
Insufficient calories for the body due to increased physical activity Parent’s lack of knowledge of the child’s daily calorie requirement Diluted supplement preparations in case the child is on supplements Underlying eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa Inability to swallow due to neurological or oral sensitivity issues Metabolic disorders that affect the conversion of food into energy such as galactosemia or phenylketonuria Malabsorption due to diseases such as cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease, or celiac disease Food allergies or intolerances that cause gastrointestinal disturbances Childhood stress and trauma leading to disinterest in food Chronic or recurring infections or diseases
What Happens If A Child Doesn’t Gain Weight?
A child who struggles to keep up with the growth pattern as per their age could be diagnosed with failure to thrive (FTT). This diagnosis would be made by a healthcare provider. FTT can lead to (4):
Short stature Decreased cognitive ability Delayed development Behavioral issues
How To Help A Child Gain Weight?
The ideal treatment to help a child gain weight depends on treating the underlying cause. It’s best to involve a pediatric dietician in making changes to your child’s diet to improve weight gain. The following tips, including minute changes to their everyday food patterns, could be used alongside the treatment for better results (5) (6).
Provide your child with a balanced diet.
Base their meals on complex carbohydrate-rich foods such as potatoes, pasta, bread, or rice. Prevent them from skipping their meals. Avoid making the meals bulky. Six to eight small meals or snacks per day might be more suitable considering a child’s appetite. Mix milk in pasta or soups to increase caloric content. Encourage healthy protein-filled foods during their snack times, such as trail mix or nuts. Substitute low-fat milk with whole milk or whole-milk yogurt for increased calorie intake. Add cheese to recipes wherever you can.
Top-up fruits, pancakes, or waffles with heavy cream and dry fruits for some extra calories. Include a cheese dip on the side with vegetable salads. Provide them with fruit smoothies, milkshakes, or whole nuts or nut butters, which are calorie-dense. Substitute oils with butter Use avocados and fresh fruits on toasts and sandwiches. Consider meats with healthy fat content.
You may also provide the child with any supplements or protein powder prescribed by a doctor for weight gain. Administering supplements to a child is not advised unless suggested by your healthcare provider or your dietitian (1) (7). A dietician could also help create a specialized diet plan to meet the right calorie requirement for your child’s age. Besides these interventions, the following lifestyle changes could help a child eat food with interest and without any distractions, potentially improving the number of calories they consume.
Eat meals together as a family Keep mobile screens away and TV off during meals Maintain a regular meal time Avoid low-nutrient, high-calorie foods such as junk food or soda/soft drinks Encourage healthy food habits such as eating a balanced diet
