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Underweight Problems in Children

Children need to consume a balanced and varied diet so they have sufficient energy to get through the day. If your child is underweight, it can be due to genetics, picky eating habits or underlying medical issues. A child's weight changes as he grows. Your child may be perfectly healthy if he experienced a growth spurt and is waiting for his weight to catch up to his growth. If your child is underweight, there may be other problems you will have to deal with.

  1. Eating Disorders

    • Eating disorders, mainly anorexia and bulimia nervosa, are a problem that underweight children and their parents may have to battle with. Children suffering from eating disorders are often high achievers and perfectionists. They feel that their weight is the only thing they can control and restrict calories to the extreme or binge and purge foods. The South Carolina Department of Mental Health states that 50 percent of girls between the ages of 11 and 13 think they are overweight. They also state that anorexia is the third most common, chronic illness among adolescents.

    Fussy Eaters

    • Underweight children may just be fussy eaters. This problem also affects the parents. Some kids will eat everything one day and refuse to eat anything at all the next day. Parents should never forcefully try to get their child to eat because this may backfire and the child will rebel even more. Adjusting the foods your child eats is the best way to get your child to gain weight. If he dislikes vegetables and rice, add some butter or sour cream to them. Prepare soups with whole milk instead of water or broth and always add gravy and butter to potatoes. Your child will most likely will not notice the difference in the food you serve him.

    Anemia

    • Anemia is another problem your underweight child may have to deal with. Anemia is common in underweight children that eat an unbalanced diet and therefore don't get all the nutrients they need, especially iron. The doctor will test the hemoglobin levels in your child's blood. If your child is anemic, his red blood cell count will be lower than a normal red blood cell count. Anemic children quickly get fatigued and can experience shortness of breath and chest pains.

    Type 1 Diabetes

    • If your child is underweight, it can be a sign that type 1 diabetes is the underlying problem causing his weight loss. Diabetic children are often thirsty and frequently urinate. They lose sugar through their urine and therefore lose weight. Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes, occurs when your body doesn't produce sufficient insulin needed to process sugars. Parents should have their child evaluated by a doctor to determine whether or not diabetes is the problem.

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