A child may not grow at the required rate, becoming thinner than usual compared to peers of the same age.
Nutritional issues alone are not the only cause of underweight in children; it may also stem from an underlying health condition, such as digestive disorders, infections, or others.
But what are the confirmed signs of underweight? And how can it be treated to restore a child's normal growth rate?
What is Underweight in Children?
Underweight in children means that a child's weight is below the healthy range for them.
This indicates a lack of the nutrition needed to maintain themselves properly; consequently, the child does not gain weight at the required rate, and often, height is affected as well.
What Causes Underweight in Children?
The most important causes of underweight in children include:
1. Inadequate Caloric Intake
In some cases, a mother or parent may mix infant formula incorrectly, resulting in the infant not receiving enough calories.
Additionally, breastfeeding issues or the transition to solid foods can lead to failure to thrive. Parents may also sometimes overlook the hunger cues sent by children.
2. Poor Appetite or Low Food Intake
Some children may face difficulty consuming enough food.
This could be due to picky eating habits or a medical issue affecting swallowing, such as a cleft palate, or another condition like autism, where children may dislike certain textures or tastes.
3. Food Intolerance
Food intolerance means the body is sensitive to certain foods. For example, milk protein intolerance means the body cannot absorb certain foods like yogurt and cheese, which can lead to failure to thrive and underweight in children.
4. Digestive Disorders
Gastrointestinal disorders can prevent children from obtaining necessary nutrition and growing normally, such as:
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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
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Chronic diarrhea.
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Cystic fibrosis.
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Chronic liver diseases.
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Celiac disease.
These health problems can make it difficult to absorb the nutrients and calories required to reach the Normal Weight for Children.
5. Ongoing Health Conditions
Children with heart, lung, or endocrine problems may require more calories than other children. It may be difficult for some to consume enough food to meet these increased caloric needs.
6. Infection
The body can consume a lot of calories while fighting an infection. Furthermore, children who do not feel well may eat less than usual.
7. Metabolic Disorders
Metabolic disorders are health issues that make it difficult for the body to break down, process, or extract energy from food. They can also cause the child to not eat properly or experience vomiting.
Signs of Underweight in Children
Underweight or poor growth in children can be identified through several signs, such as:
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Weight falling below the healthy range.
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The child appears smaller in size generally compared to others of the same age.
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Irritability.
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Fatigue.
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Sleeping more than usual.
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Lack of age-appropriate social responses, such as smiling.
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Delayed motor development.
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Learning and behavior problems in older children.
Diagnosis of Underweight in Children
Many infants and children go through short periods where they do not gain the expected weight.
However, if the child continues to fail to gain sufficient weight or loses weight, the cause must be determined through appropriate diagnostic means:
1. Health History
Diagnosis begins with understanding the child's health history, including their nutritional history. This helps determine if malnutrition, home stressors, or other factors are the cause of the underweight.
A nutritionist or other healthcare professional may track the calories in the child's diet to ensure they are getting enough.
2. Measuring Weight and Height
Doctors may measure the child's weight, height, and head circumference, plotting the results on a growth chart to see if the child is growing normally or experiencing failure to thrive.
Children may be considered to have failure to thrive if their weight is lower than most children their age or if they are not gaining weight as quickly as they should.
3. Health Tests
Doctors may request tests, such as blood or urine tests, to check for the presence or absence of any medical issues that could affect the child's weight or growth.
Treatment of Underweight in Children
Treatment options vary depending on:
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Severity of symptoms.
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The child's general health.
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The family environment.
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The specific cause of the underweight.
Some cases of underweight can be addressed by treating the underlying problem causing it. However, if the underweight requires more intensive care, a doctor may prescribe nutritional supplements or a special diet based on the primary diagnosis.
Hospital care, including the use of feeding tubes, can provide extra nutrition in severe cases.
Pharmacy Treatments for Underweight in Children
AlJawaher Almotamayza Pharmacies provide a range of Therapeutic nutrition products that support normal growth and treat underweight in children; however, you must consult a doctor to choose what is suitable for your child:
1. Fantomalt Milk (Nutritional Supplement for Weight Gain) 400g
Fantomalt milk provides children with the energy their bodies need, especially when not eating enough or having a poor appetite, supporting healthy weight gain.
2. PediaSure Complete for Children (1 to 3 Years), Chocolate Flavor, 900g
PediaSure Complete for children aged 1 to 3 years provides comprehensive nutrition to support normal growth with necessary minerals, vitamins, and calories. It is designed for children at risk of malnutrition to catch up with normal growth.
3. Fortini Vanilla Powder, 400g
Fortini Vanilla Powder is a complete food containing 28 minerals and vitamins, supporting normal growth for children aged 1 to 10 years.
4. Frebini Energy Drink, Chocolate Flavor, 24 * 200ml
Frebini Chocolate flavor drink is suitable for children aged 1 to 12 years who are at risk of malnutrition or have increased energy needs, ensuring a high intake of calories and energy.
Additional Tips for Maintaining Normal Child Growth
In addition to following a doctor's recommendations, it is advised to follow these tips for optimal nutrition and growth:
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Follow the instructions of the doctor or nutritionist.
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Contact the doctor if the child develops any new symptoms, such as frequent diarrhea or vomiting.
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Increase your knowledge regarding your child's specific health condition.
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Talk to the doctor if you are concerned about feeding problems.
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Avoid empty calories, such as juices and sweets.
In general, gaining weight takes time; therefore, it may take several months before the child returns to a normal growth rate.
