“What causes a child not to gain weight?”
My child is 10 years old. I want to know what causes a child not to gain weight?
2 Answers
Hello
Most times it’s because of not enough calories in the diet. But your doctor can also check for food allergies or celiac disease.
Most times it’s because of not enough calories in the diet. But your doctor can also check for food allergies or celiac disease.
Changes in weight occur when the amount of energy, known as calories, expended doesn't match the amount of calories taken in. Think of calories like money: If you spend more than you earn, you lose money, and if you earn more than you spend, you save. A child who is very physically active -- playing outside rather than sitting and playing video games -- will need to eat more than the sedentary child to gain weight. A child who is ill may also "spend" more calories just trying to live; if, after consideration of activity level and diet, things don't seem right, see your pediatrician.
Shelley C. Springer, MD, MBA, MSc, JD, FAAP
Shelley C. Springer, MD, MBA, MSc, JD, FAAP
