How to Help an Adolescent to Gain Weight

The onset of adolescence is different with every child. Some kids are late bloomers while others develop rapidly. Adolescence is experienced between the ages of 13 to 19, or between puberty and adulthood. During adolescence, kids become more independent and show adult-like behavior. They separate themselves from their parents, making it harder for them to monitor their child's eating habits. Because of growth spurts that adolescents experience, they may appear underweight because their weight hasn't caught up with their height. There are various techniques parents can employ to help their child gain weight.

Instructions

• 1

  Consult your child's pediatrician to determine the cause of his low weight. Underlying issues such as depression and eating disorders may be to blame. Follow the doctor's recommendation for the correct treatment.

• 2

  Have meals together as a family. Set the right example for your adolescent. If your child sees his parents eating healthy foods, he is likely to follow the behavior. By having meals together, you can monitor your child's eating habits and assure he is getting sufficient nutrients.

• 3

  Add fat to meals wherever you can. Add cheese or butter to vegetables, mashed potatoes and eggs. Use whole or dried milk in soups instead of water. Avoid low-fat and non-fat alternatives and give your child full-fat products. Choose ice cream over frozen yogurt.

• 4

  Get in the habit of reading food labels. Find out the serving sizes, calories and nutritional contents of products. Compare products and choose those that are highest in calories per serving. Purchase higher-calorie vegetables such as corn, potatoes, yams, sweet potatoes and peas.

• 5

  Keep your child from drinking beverages before his meal because this makes him feel full quicker. Have him drink a beverage after his meal instead.

• 6

  Give your child mixed juice drinks instead of the lower-calorie single-fruit juices. Offer your child nutritional supplement drinks, especially those that are designed for weight gain.

• 7

  Increase your child's portion sizes or provide him with frequent snacks to increase his caloric intake. Offer second helpings of any food your child enjoys. Give him snacks like dried fruits, nuts, yogurt and protein bars.