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Child Has Less Weight And Is Not Eating Properly
Question: My daughter she is 18 months year old. Her weight is 8.4kg. She is not eating properly.
Hello XXXXXXX
Thanks for posting your query.
For 18 months old the ideal weight should be around 10 to 11 kg.
But if your baby was born prematurely or had a low birth weight then you can expect a lower weight. Still a rough index would be, that she should have tripled her birth weight after she completed one year of age. So if her birth weight was around 2.5 to 3 kg she should be between 7.5 to 9 kgs after one year and then at least gain 200 to 400 g/month.
If she has been not eating well since a long duration then it’s probably the cause of her low weight and she should be evaluated by a pediatrician for the following
1. A complete physical examination weight , height, head &chest circumference, signs of nutritional deficiency etc
2. A dietary assessment for quantity and quality of food intake per 24 hours.
3. To rule out any malnutrition, chronic illness, parasitic (worm) infections or behavioral disorders causing decreased appetite.
4. Assessment of her milestones and activity levels for her age
Depending upon the findings the doctor may prescribe, an appetite stimulant, deworming, multivitamins and protein supplementation and dietary advice.
If she has any specific signs and symptoms apart from decreased appetite please specify the details and also the detailed dietary intake. It would help me in providing you with better guidance and solution.
Awaiting your response.
Regards
Thanks for posting your query.
For 18 months old the ideal weight should be around 10 to 11 kg.
But if your baby was born prematurely or had a low birth weight then you can expect a lower weight. Still a rough index would be, that she should have tripled her birth weight after she completed one year of age. So if her birth weight was around 2.5 to 3 kg she should be between 7.5 to 9 kgs after one year and then at least gain 200 to 400 g/month.
If she has been not eating well since a long duration then it’s probably the cause of her low weight and she should be evaluated by a pediatrician for the following
1. A complete physical examination weight , height, head &chest circumference, signs of nutritional deficiency etc
2. A dietary assessment for quantity and quality of food intake per 24 hours.
3. To rule out any malnutrition, chronic illness, parasitic (worm) infections or behavioral disorders causing decreased appetite.
4. Assessment of her milestones and activity levels for her age
Depending upon the findings the doctor may prescribe, an appetite stimulant, deworming, multivitamins and protein supplementation and dietary advice.
If she has any specific signs and symptoms apart from decreased appetite please specify the details and also the detailed dietary intake. It would help me in providing you with better guidance and solution.
Awaiting your response.
Regards
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
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