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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Reduced Appetite In A Toddler?

Hi Doctor, My son is 2 yrs and he is 22 lbs in weight and 32 inches in height. He does not have his food properly.His percentile growth rate is below ten.I cook food as per the taste and style he likes.But anything we feed him,he will be interested to 5 bites.Later he does not show interest in having it.What do you advice me to increase his appetite.he is very skinny ....TIA....
Fri, 18 Mar 2016
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Pediatrician, Infectious Diseases 's  Response
Hi there,
I understand your concerns. I would like to allay your fears a little..yes, he is slightly underweight but not alarmingly so. Till about 5 years, most toddlers have reduced appetite as they are busy exploring and learning new things. My advice to you would be to increase the calorie density of the food he eats. Add more coconut oil, clarified butter, roasted and powdered cashewnuts/almonds so that for the same amount he eats, more calories go in. Cut out juices and excess milk which will fill him up and cause him to eat less. Follow the above and he will gradually eat more and gain weight.
Warning Signs:
1. He is LOSING weight frapidly
2. He gets fever more than twice a month
3. He is lethargic and does not want to play
4. He has excessive vomiting
5. He is peeing less than 4 times/ day or more than 12 times/day.
If any of the warning signs are there, see a pediatrician. The 'appetite-inducing' medications do not work and may cause side-effects. As long as he is active and does not get repeated infections, there is nothing to worry. Hope this has answered your query satisfactorily. Take care !
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What Causes Reduced Appetite In A Toddler?

Hi there, I understand your concerns. I would like to allay your fears a little..yes, he is slightly underweight but not alarmingly so. Till about 5 years, most toddlers have reduced appetite as they are busy exploring and learning new things. My advice to you would be to increase the calorie density of the food he eats. Add more coconut oil, clarified butter, roasted and powdered cashewnuts/almonds so that for the same amount he eats, more calories go in. Cut out juices and excess milk which will fill him up and cause him to eat less. Follow the above and he will gradually eat more and gain weight. Warning Signs: 1. He is LOSING weight frapidly 2. He gets fever more than twice a month 3. He is lethargic and does not want to play 4. He has excessive vomiting 5. He is peeing less than 4 times/ day or more than 12 times/day. If any of the warning signs are there, see a pediatrician. The appetite-inducing medications do not work and may cause side-effects. As long as he is active and does not get repeated infections, there is nothing to worry. Hope this has answered your query satisfactorily. Take care !