The Consequences of a Toddler Not Eating

Raising a toddler presents many challengers. Children at that age are particularly vulnerable to a range of health issues, and they have yet to develop the self-control mechanisms that make discipline and obedience easier. Some toddlers may refuse to eat or have a lack of appetite. This can result in a number of consequences.

Weight Loss

• A chronic refusal to eat may, over time, result in weight loss. This is a cause for concern since toddlers are expected to maintain a certain weight as they grow. More specifically, toddlers are expected to increase in weight as they age, since the toddler phase is a period of rapid development that requires nutritional sustenance to occur.

Malnutrition

• Malnutrition is an extreme consequence of not eating. Most toddlers who have problems eating do not suffer malnutrition; however, it remains a possibility. Tragically, in parts of the world where chronic food shortages are a way of life, toddlers more often suffer from malnutrition. Malnutrition can cause a range of negative (and serious) health effects and, in rare cases, may require hospitalization.

Lethargy

• All humans, including toddlers, derive energy from food. A lack of nutritional intake can induce feelings of lethargy in toddlers. This can manifest in excessive tiredness, crankiness, a lack of attention, a lack of interest in normal activities, and an absence of physical energy. Eating an excess of sugary foods, to the exclusion of healthier foods like fresh vegetables, fruit, and whole grains, can also induce lethargy.

Neutral Impact

• It's important to remember that toddlers, by nature, are finicky eaters. Their appetite may vary widely from day to day, and their food preferences as well may oscillate unpredictably. Though most toddlers need between 1,000 and 1,300 calories per day, eating less than that is not necessarily a cause for concern, especially if it only occurs over the short term.