5 Possible Reasons Why Your Child Does Not Gain Weight
Ananya worried that her son Dhruv did not seem to grow at the same rate as his schoolmates. At 11 years of age, Dhruv was excessively underweight. He had been healthy as a baby; however, since a year ago, his height spurted but his weight seemed to drop. Moreover, he always seemed tired and unwell to play any sports. On consultation with a doctor, Dhruv was advised a few tests. The reports showed that he was suffering from diabetes type 1.
Many parents worry about why their children never seem to gain any weight. Often, underweight children also are more susceptible to diseases such as the flu, respiratory infections, and general weakness. In most cases, being underweight is not simply linked to a reduced intake of food. The real cause could be a disease or a health issue. In such cases, increasing the calories in the diet will not help. Like with any situation, knowing the cause helps treat the condition properly. Here are 5 possible reasons why your child does not seem to gain weight.
- Diabetes Type 1
Diabetes type 1 is a disease in which the pancreas is unable to produce sufficient insulin or any insulin. Common in children with a family history of diabetes, this condition is marked by a sudden weight loss. Diabetes leads to an excess of sugar in the blood accompanied by a host of health issues. This is one major reason why some children never gain weight and should be taken seriously with timely treatment.
- Hyperactivity and ADHD symptoms
Underweight children are offer hyperactive and many parents blame this constant loss of energy for the inability of their child to gain weight. However, for some the problem is psychological and not physical. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a known reason why children stay excessively unweight and tend to fall ill. Apart from weight loss, ADHD symptoms include impulsive behaviour, inattention, and hyperactivity. These can prove harmful in the long run and a child counsellor’s intervention is required.
- Nutritional deficiency
Calorie intake is not as important as getting the right nutrition. In the effort of dealing with children who are fussy eaters, many parents are often forced to sacrifice nutrition for taste. A diet high in carbohydrates, might mean your child is lacking in essential vitamins and minerals. These deficiencies can lead to many health problems including weight loss and a lowered immunity.
- Digestive disorders
Digestive diseases such as Celiac disease affect a child’s ability to absorb nutrients from food successfully. A child may also be underweight due to worms, food allergies, and acid reflux. All of these digestive issues can combine to create a situation that causes the child to lose appetite in food. If you notice your child has lost interest in eating, do consult with a doctor. It may not always be the case of a picky eater.
- Thyroid problems
Thyroid disorders normally affect adults; however, in some cases, they can happen to children too.Children with parents who have themselves suffered thyroid problems or hormonal issues fall into a higher risk bracket for developing thyroid disorders in childhood. Hyperthyroidism is one such condition that can affect a child’s ability to gain weight. Any thyroid related disorders will affect a child’s smooth transition into puberty and should be thus treated immediately.
Child Health and Homeopathy
Homeopathy medicine offers holistic healing options for child health. Childhood is the best phase of life and any recurrent health issues weaken the immune system as the child grows to adolescence. Homeopathy for unweight problems in children offers comprehensive treatment for diabetes type 1, digestive diseases, thyroid problems, and allergies. Homeopathy also focuses on possible psychological causes such as ADHD and depression.
Homeopathic medicines are natural and thus, a safe choice for children. The treatment is non-invasive and consists of oral medication that is non-toxic and non-addictive. The medicines help enhance food absorption and decrease the tendency of infections. Above all, homeopathic medicines are absolutely free from side-effects. This makes them suitable to be taken alongside any other ongoing medication.
