What is the Normal Weight for Children? And What are the Causes and Treatment of Underweight?

The normal weight for children varies according to age group and feeding method; breastfeeding is not the same as formula feeding.

It may also vary according to the child’s health condition; children with problems affecting digestion or absorption may suffer from underweight and delayed growth.

Therefore, what is the normal weight for children? What are the causes of underweight, and how can it be treated to resume your child’s natural growth?

Average Normal Weight for Children

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the average birth weight for a full-term male infant is 3.3 kg, and for a female, it is 3.2 kg.

It is normal for infants to lose about 10% of their weight during the first week after birth. This decrease is often due to fluid loss and usually does not call for concern, as most infants regain this weight within one week.

Male children tend to weigh slightly more than females. Below is a table showing the average normal weight for children by sex and age:

What Factors Affect Children's Weight?

Several factors influence the ideal weight for children, such as:

1. Sex

Male newborns tend to be larger than female newborns, and they usually gain weight slightly faster during infancy.

2. Nutrition

Weight gain and growth rates can also depend on whether the child is breastfed or formula-fed; breastfed infants gain weight and grow more slowly than Baby Milk infants during the first year.

However, in general, growth is similar whether through breastfeeding or formula, and weight may continue to fluctuate even after the child starts eating other foods.

3. Medical Problems

Certain medical issues can lead to a slower rate of weight gain among children, such as congenital heart disorders or health problems that affect the absorption or digestion of nutrients, such as Celiac disease.

4. Premature Birth

Premature babies may grow and gain weight at a slower rate during their first year compared to babies born after a full-term pregnancy. However, many premature babies gain weight quickly and catch up by the end of their first year.

Signs of Poor Growth in Children

Obvious signs that may indicate poor growth in children include:

• Not gaining weight as expected.

• The child not growing in height as expected.

• Crying more than expected.

• Sleeping more than expected, or even sleeping during feedings.

• Not interacting with people as they should for their developmental stage (such as mimicking facial expressions).

Causes of Underweight in Children

Underweight, weight loss, or the child not reaching their normal weight for their age may be evidence of poor growth. Below are the causes of poor growth in children:

1. Not Consuming Enough Nutrients

Infants and children need calories and nutrients to grow. Certain problems can reduce food intake and lead to poor growth, such as:

• Incorrect Feeding: Breastfed infants need to feed regularly, latch well, and transfer enough breast milk effectively to gain weight. Any problem in any step can lead to poor weight gain.

• Incorrect Formula Preparation: Formula-fed infants need the formula prepared according to the package instructions; otherwise, a formula that is too diluted, for example, will not provide enough calories for growth.

• Illnesses: Such as viral infections, which may lead to a decrease in the intake of breast milk or formula. Sometimes, a child may breathe too quickly to be able to feed well.

• Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD): Vomiting large amounts of every meal due to the child having reflux, so they do not gain enough weight.

• Health Problems: Infants with cleft lip and palate, swallowing difficulties, or congenital heart disease may face difficulty in feeding.

2. Increased Nutritional Requirements

Some children and infants may suffer from underlying health problems that require more calories and nutrition than other children to gain weight. Examples include:

• Congenital Heart Disease: Children with certain congenital heart diseases breathe quickly, and their heart needs to work harder; this extra work may require more calories.

• Chronic Illnesses: Including prolonged infections and conditions associated with inflammation; all of these are linked to increased calorie needs.

• Long-term Illness: Young children and infants who have had a long-term illness that prevented them from gaining weight often need extra calories for a period of time to compensate for growth.

3. Nutrient Absorption Problems

Infants and young children suffering from intestinal inflammation may not be able to digest and absorb the nutrients found in milk or food, and thus do not gain weight to reach the normal weight for children of their age. Examples include:

• Cow's Milk Protein Intolerance: Infants with cow's milk protein intolerance may develop inflammation in their intestines when exposed to the protein found in cow's milk.

• Cystic Fibrosis: Infants and young children with cystic fibrosis lack the digestive enzymes that help them absorb fats.

• Gastrointestinal Infections: Certain types of infections in the intestine, including parasites, bacteria, and viruses, can cause diarrhea and temporary inflammation that prevents nutrient absorption.

• Intestinal Inflammation: Children with inflammatory bowel disease suffer from inflammation in different parts of the intestine and may have increased nutritional needs, increased losses (through diarrhea and vomiting), and decreased appetite, all of which can prevent weight gain.

4. Problems Utilizing Nutrients

Once digested, every cell in the body must be able to use the nutrients for energy. Some health problems may affect this aspect, such as:

• Inborn Errors of Metabolism: Children born with rare genetic conditions or inborn errors of metabolism lack certain enzymes that allow their cells to utilize nutrients.

• Diabetes: Young children with diabetes lack insulin, which is necessary to use sugar for energy production.

Treatment of Underweight or Poor Growth in Children

The first step in overcoming poor weight gain in children is identifying the underlying cause.

Some children may first need tests to determine the cause of poor weight gain or to evaluate their nutritional status before a treatment plan is developed.

Some children may also need to change their diet. Recommended options may include:

• Including a formula within a feeding schedule integrated with breast milk.

• Creating a nutritional plan for your child that contains a good balance of all the nutrients they need.

• Treating the health problem causing the child's poor growth.

Treatment of Underweight in Children from the Pharmacy

AlJawaher AlMotamayza pharmacies provide a group of products that help the child grow and protect them from malnutrition or being underweight compared to the normal weight of children of the same age.

However, a doctor must be consulted to determine what is appropriate for your child among them:

1. PediaSure Vanilla 1+ Years 900g

PediaSure Complete 1+ Vanilla is a milk for children aged 1-3 years, designed to support the growth of children suffering from malnutrition, loss of appetite, and underweight. It is rich in many nutritional ingredients, essential vitamins, and minerals.

2. PediaSure Plus Fiber

PediaSure Plus Fiber is used as an essential part of nutrition for children suffering from underweight, with weights ranging between 8-30 kg in some cases, such as:

• Dysphagia.

• Growth disorder diseases associated with malnutrition in children.

• Intractable malabsorption.

• Short bowel syndrome.

3. Fantomalt Milk 400g

Nutricia Fantomalt milk provides children with the energy their bodies need, especially with poor appetite or not eating enough food, and helps in increasing the weight of children suffering from underweight.

4. Similac High Energy

Similac High Energy milk contains a group of amino acids and is specifically designed for children who have difficulty tolerating natural or hydrolyzed protein. It is also used in cases of:

• Maldigestion and difficulty in protein absorption.

• Cow's milk protein allergy.

• Digestive system disorders.

• Short bowel syndrome.

5. Sanovit 320ml

Sanovit is a nutritional supplement containing iron to help prevent anemia and provide children with essential minerals and vitamins, including Vitamin D, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and others. It is used for children aged 2 years and older.

Tips to Prevent Underweight in Children

It is not always possible to prevent poor growth, but there are many reasons why a child might grow at a slower rate. However, it is possible to support a child's growth through:

• Committing to prenatal doctor visits and following their advice regarding self-care during pregnancy.

• Knowing the nutrition a child needs in their first year and beyond and asking any questions to the child’s pediatrician.

• Consulting a doctor if the child suffers from any unusual symptoms.