What are some concerns for underweight children?
There are several possible reasons for being underweight: not consuming enough food, an underlying illness, stress, obsessive exercise, lack of interest in eating, or a sudden growth spurt. An under-nourished child is more likely to become sick. The child may feel weak or tired, and have trouble focusing and concentrating. He or she may have stunted growth or a delay in the onset of puberty. It has been estimated that 12 million children live in food-insecure households, meaning that they have limited availability of nutritious and safe foods. If a child has no interest in eating, it could be a sign of anxiety, a food allergy causing discomfort after meals, high amounts of caffine, an excessive fear of being overweight, or even an eating disorder. In any case, it is extremely important to work with your child’s doctor or health professional to help determine what is going on and how to address it. What can I do to help my child? If your doctor recommends weight gain, the main goal will