Hi there other IMs,
Just wondering about other peoples opnions. My 8 year old weighs in at 20kg (more or less) I was recently told off by the doctor as he apparently weighs the same as a normal 5 year old (Who decides whats normal I always thought it was a dryer setting!) I let this go over my head as hey as long as hes happy and healthy I dont have an issue with his weight (also hes a little on the short side like me) My issue is I mentioned it in passing to my mother who has now started saying I should put him on suppliment shakes to try and help him gain weight as he doesnt eat properly. Okay I will agree with the eating thing because hes very fussy and wont eat many meat items but he always healthy food with very little sugary items (older brother is ASD so we dont have that type of food in the house) if given a choice of foods like chicken steak or a piece of fruit he will pick the fruit every single time (this child doesnt even like lemonade!) he has been this way ever since he was a baby wouldnt eat any baby food with meat in it it was always fruit purees or vegetables. Anyway I guess my question is would you worry about his weight and try and get him to gain some or leave him be as he seems to be perfectly happy as he is?
underweight child?????
underweight child?????
Posted in:
Food, Health & Wellbeing, Kids
5 Replies
Supplement shakes probably wouldn't hurt but i have a near 3 year old weights 11kgs so she is very small too and her doctor has stated that there is a growth chart for a reason. "Someone has to be at the bottom, middle and top". Maybe seek a 2nd opinion just so you can be sure?
My 8 year old girl is only 24kg and she's healthy. If your son is not lethargic or gaunt looking and has a healthy lifestyle then the number on the scale shouldn't be a big issue. My daughter can eat 6 slices of bread or 6 weetbix in a sitting btw and still has not an ounce of fat!
My son is 8, weighs about 25 kilos, he's 128 cm tall. He eats what he wants and I don't force it. You can increase his carb and fat intake (kids diets can be tricky) ie pastas and such which will help him bulk up if your concerned. My other son is 6 and has just reached 20 kilos. All kids are different don't let the doctor get to you. Your his mum you'll know if something is wrong.
My 21 month old son weighs 15.5kgs and is in size 3! he is waaaaay off the chart! Height and weight. I would most definitely not call him fat though. Others have been like omg what do u feed him! But honestly he eats bugger all (he is extremely fussy) and I don't allow junk food in the house unless special occasions. He is just a big tall boy. Maybe your son is just skinny! Maybe hes just a dot! My little brother was always the smallest in his class. I'd only worry if he was sickly. If you are really concerned get a second opinion and go from there. :) what is normal? ;)
I don't believe the weight is that big an issue, but if he's lacking meat in his diet I'd be focussing more on his iron intake if he's a fussy eater. It doesn't have to be meat - there are plenty of other good iron sources that he would probably prefer.