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What Are the Causes of Low Weight in Children?

There's loads of media attention given to childhood obesity and the health risks involved with having an overweight child. However, 112 million children worldwide have the opposite problem -- they are underweight. Genetics can play a crucial role in determining a child's size; if the parents and grandparents of a child are smaller than average, it's not uncommon for the child to be smaller than average. But, there are other more concerning reasons some kids are underweight.

  1. Diet

    • Diet plays a major part in your child's physical development. There are various nutritional reasons a child may not be a healthy weight, such as poverty, in which nutritious foods aren't available because of money issues or other problems. Some parents concerned about obesity don't provide enough foods rich in calcium and protein. While you don't want to over-feed your child, providing him with a balanced diet including whole grains, dairy, protein, fruits and veggies should help him maintain a healthy weight.

    Hyperthyriodism

    • If your child has a healthy diet but remains noticeably underweight, she may have a thyroid problem. The thyroid maintains several functions of the body, including metabolism and digestion. A condition known as hyperthyroidism speeds everything up when your thyroid is overly active. Hyperthyroidism also causes kids to lose weight even when their appetites are strong. Other symptoms of hyperthyroidism include rapid heartbeat, sweating and nervousness.

    Eating Disorders

    • Self-image can affect weight in older children. According to a University of Michigan informational guide for parents, anorexia and bulimia are common in older children. A person suffering from anorexia fears becoming fat and cuts down on how much he eats as a result. While eating disorders are more commonly seen in girls, one of four children suffering from anorexia are boys. A person suffering from bulimia will binge eat and then force himself to vomit because he feels fat. Poor self-image and eating disorders start as early as age 5 and can stem from several factors, such as peer pressure and observing parents dieting or struggling with their own weight.

    Regular Checkups

    • Many children naturally weigh less than average, but are healthy regardless. However, there are some inherent risks to being underweight, such as a decrease in immune system effectiveness. Schedule periodic doctor visits to ensure your child is growing at an appropriate rate. If you notice a sudden change in your child's weight or appetite, take her to a doctor immediately in order to rule out medical conditions such as digestion issues and other more serious illnesses.

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