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Reasons a Child May Fail to Gain Weight

If a child eats a nutritious diet, he'll be able to perform at his full potential and avoid diseases such as obesity and diabetes. Some children, even those who eat a healthy diet, fail to gain weight compared to their peers. There can be many reasons for this, and the cause should definitely be determined, because being underweight can result in or be a sign of health issues.

  1. Digestive/Metabolic Disorder

    • During infancy and early childhood, a child's nutrition comes mainly from milk. If your child has problems absorbing or digesting some of the nutrients in milk, such as protein and fat, it can be a sign of a digestive disorder. Your child can be lactose intolerant or allergic to certain foods. Your child's weight can stagnate or reduce depending on how much of the offending food he eats. If you make changes to your child's diet, but find the symptoms to remain, your child may have a metabolic disorder and should be checked by a doctor.

    Gastroesophageal Reflux

    • Gastroesophageal reflux is a condition where food backs up into the esophagus after eating, causing your child to regurgitate. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease, the condition usually goes away by itself around age one or two. Your child's growth can be interrupted and he can fail to gain weight if his condition is severe. Feeding your child thicker substances such as milk with cereal and keeping him upright during feedings can help, and your doctor may also recommend foods high in calories or tube-feedings.

    Dietary/Parental Issues

    • Your child simply may not be getting the calories he needs; refusal to eat, fussiness and difficulty swallowing certain foods are just the tip of the iceberg. Mental and social issues can also influence the eating habits of your child. Parental mental health disorders or abuse or neglect can lead to negligence when it comes to feeding a child. To get your child to gain weight, increase his caloric intake by adding cheese, sour cream or butter to vegetables. You can also give him calorie-enriched milk drinks.

    Illness And Medications

    • Illness can bring on a decrease in appetite in your child, which can keep him from gaining weight. Stomach flu, upper respiratory tract infections and urinary tract infections can all lead to loss of appetite and weight loss. Certain medications can also keep children from gaining weight. According to babycareadvice.com, medications for reflux, colic, gas and infections can reduce your child's appetite if they're taken over a long period of time.

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