When do I worry about DS height/weight?

[NotSureWhoIAmToday]

DS3 is 10yo - 11 in May. He has always been slight/skinny but not skeletal iyswim. Short-ish though - generally one of the shortest in the class throughout his school life.

He has always had the ability to stop eating when he is full. Leaves food if had enough, says no to pudding regularly. Not had any worries about his eating habits. Throughout his lifetime he would sometimes go mega-hungry and eat for Britain - followed by a spurt in height. Mirrored his baby-years .

Until the last 9 months or so. Possibly a year. His eating has stayed sort of the same - maybe a bit more eating for Britain. But his height has not changed. At all. His tummy and a bit of chubbiness around his face (new) has though. He falls into the 91st centile (so just over weight) - at the moment. He generally has been more like 40-50th centile. DH and I noticed him getting a bit chubby about 6 months ago and have been watching portions, encouraging a bit more activity - but not making a big deal of it as we don't want him to worry. He is already conscious of being the shortest in the class (along with 2 others - so he is not totally outside the norm).

He is fairly active - though not as much as some. But sport 2-3 times a week outside of school. Often out playing in the garden.

So I am worried.

I am trying not to do too much to change his diet (am watching portion sizes just to make sure). But it feels like I have been waiting for his height to match his weight for what seems like forever.

Do I worry. Is this just puppy fat? Is there a length of time without any growth in height that I need to go and see someone?

(For context my 2 elder DDs did the puppy fat bit a little at a similar age - but not so noticeably and without the height issue - hence it feels like new territory).

Gosh, sorry that was so long. Didn't want to be accused of drip-feeding. Or not provide info re appetite/exercise etc.

He might be gearing up for puberty?

I was always a skinny child then got a bit chubbier aged 12ish (actually just average size) then was skinny again for the rest of my teens.
My friends DD is also going through a chubby phase at 9 and also getting very moody/tweenagery with it.

I’m a nutritionist and I wouldn’t be getting worried just yet. At his age he will be laying down fat stores ready for lots of growing and changing over the next few years. Carry on doing what you are doing (sounds like you are doing a fab job) and monitor his weight over the next year. If he becomes overweight or has any signs of health problems pop along to see your GP and get him checked out. I bet he’ll start losing the weight soon if he’s not over eating.

I would bet he will soon have a big growth spurt. So long as he has a healthy diet I wouldn't worry yet. However, I will say this...If you start to notice other symptoms such as dry skin, chronic tiredness, dry hair, you might want to have his thyroid checked. There are 4 men in my family with hypothyroidism and they were all diagnosed around your son's age.

Thank you for your responses.

I am hoping you are right - it is just a wait for the height thing.

@Aquamarine1029 I have hypothyroidism (since early 40s) and it would not even have occurred to me to think of it. To be honest it is (in my mind) something middle aged women get..ie...me, my mother, my aunt I would say that he is showing no symptoms of it at all though. Will bear it in mind if he does though so thank you!

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism when I was 20, and it runs heavily on my mother's side of the family in both men and women. It's more uncommon in men/boys but it does happen.

Just revisiting this one. I finally decided I was worried enough to check things out. Did a phone consultation with the GP (so I could discuss frankly without DS having to hear/worry). My main concern with the GP was his height - DH and I worked out he has not grown in height for about 18 months - 2 years - not even a cm. (You know how you measure them for GoApe/rollercoasters/bike frames sizes etc...just realised he was still the same size as when he had just turned 9).

On the call, I almost think the GP was not as concerned until I mentioned my thyroid issue - but whether that tipped the balance or not I'll never know - he just said if I was worried to take him in.

GP was lovely, measured him and ordered some bloodtests which were done at 10am yesterday. Today a call at 9am from the surgery booking us in to see the GP again due to the results! Receptionist had no idea of test results To be honest I had no idea that they could come back that quickly for that matter so trying not to be super scared!

But also, interestingly enough, I had a look at DS's neck and am not 100% sure but it does look a little wide/lumpy around the thyroid area. And his hands are very dry (thought he can be shite at drying his hands after washing them so dismissed this the last few times I saw it during the holidays). He does often say he is tired...but then don't a lot of children?

So there is clearly something amiss. Which is a fucker. Am keeping fingers crossed it is nothing major and treatable/short term. Gulp.

So largely came on to say thank you @Aquamarine1029 for suggesting it. Keep your fingers crossed for us that it is nothing worse.

Hi op! It's so good to hear from you! I hope everything is going to be ok with your son and I do hope you let us know what you find out. I am sending you and your boy all my positive thoughts!

Hi @Aquamarine1029. Doctor called today - it is under-active thyroid. He has prescribed DS 50mcg levothyroxine as per the Paed recommendation, referred him to the Paed clinic at the hospital and cancelled Mondays appt (no need as best to be seen at the clinic).

Have picked them up, plus some Smints to get DS to practice swallowing tablets .

DS is very "Oh well" about it. A bit meh at having to take a pill everyday for the rest of his life but seemed to take it OK. He is hoping he will become more "normal" size wise - but not overly bothered.

A bit gutted for him in a way (but at least it is something eminently treatable). I have said to him it is a bit like having to put on a pair of glasses everyday (I wear glasses, he doesn't) but far more of a pain as glasses are "there" all day.

Thank you, thank you, thank you sooo much. We may not have got to this point without you. Or it may have taken a lot, lot longer for it to even cross my mind. I cannot express my gratitude

far less of a pain

Oh, op! I am SO relieved that he has finally been diagnosed! For all of the things that can go wrong with the body, hypothyroidism is definitely a "good" one! A pill a day is a very small price to pay for getting him on track. Soon, taking that pill will be second nature. If he is anything like the males in my family, he will soon shoot up like a little sprout, but even if he doesn't, he will absolutely be feeling much better and more energised. I do hope this diagnosis has lifted the stress and concern you had off your shoulders! Your son is going to do brilliantly, I'm sure!

A minor benefit he may not have twigged, he'll be eligible for free prescriptions! That'll save him a few ££ over the years. Obv they're already free at the moment, I mean when he's 18

Almost a year since this thread. DH has just found DS (now 11) "Secret Reading" (ie torch under the covers).

Obviously book removed and stern words had. Then DH and I high-fived as it is just wonderful to know DS has enough energy to even bother to read late .

It has taken until just few weeks back to properly get him on the right level of medication, but now he is the difference is amazing. And scary that we didn't notice him "gone" if that makes sense. But his symptoms just snuck up so gradually we didn't notice.

So now he whistles and fidgets. He laughs and want to be outside. He twinkles at you when he looks at you. He asks questions. He isn't just knackered and cold all the time. He has lost 6kg and grown 5 cm. His hands aren't dry all the time.

And he doesn't just fall asleep the second he gets to bed - he sneakily carries on reading. Fabulous.

though he'll probably be grumpy tomorrow from not enough sleep