How to Tell If a Child Has a Slow Metabolism

Metabolism refers to the complex chemical reactions that occur in the body's cells to break down the fuel from ingested foods into the energy we need to function. Metabolism is a constant process and is of fundamental importance to our health. Mayo Clinic medicine specialist Dr. Donald Hensrud recognizes that having a slow metabolism is rare and usually not the cause of weight gain. Other metabolic disorders caused by enzyme deficiencies or an over/under-active thyroid should be of more concern. If your child is displaying common symptoms of such disorders, visit a doctor as soon as possible.

Instructions

• 1

  Keep a food diary, monitoring everything your child eats during a typical week. If your child eats a healthy, balanced diet without overeating and is still gaining weight, it is possible he has a slow metabolism.

• 2

  Check your child's heart rate and breathing rate. If these are consistently elevated and your child is pale and tired, it is possible your child has the metabolic disorder G6PD deficiency. G6PD is an enzyme essential for cell metabolism, and a deficiency may lead to damaged or even destroyed red blood cells. Seek immediate medical attention if your child is displaying these symptoms.

• 3

  Identify whether your child is experiencing rapid weight gain, tiredness and sluggishness, a slow heart rate and frequent constipation. These are all symptoms of hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid gland resulting in a dramatically reduced metabolic rate. If left untreated in children, hypothyroidism can cause stunted growth and mental health problems.