To be worried about my child’s (low) weight

[CarlottaValdez]

I felt like DS (who is 5 and 3/4) was looking a bit skinnier than normal since lockdown. So I weighed and measured him this morning and he’s 2nd centile for BMI which is underweight. He weighs 36 lbs. We saw a consultant when he was about 3 because he was tiny and he had tests but it was decided he just was genetically small and we shouldn’t worry. But I don’t think he was actually underweight then.

Thing is he eats masses, and really well! Porridge and fruit and toast and apple juice for breakfast (and his vitamin). Lunch is omelette or sandwiches or bread cheese and meat or fish finger wraps or something. Whatever we’re eating. Pizza sometimes, hot dogs.

Dinner he eats with us and he eats everything, he’s such a good eater. Curry, stir fry, pasta whatever we’re having. There’s always seconds available.

His teacher even commented at parent’s evening that she couldn’t believe the way he ate everything in his packed lunch as it was a similar size to hers.

I’m at a bit of a loss and very upset. Has anyone else tried to get their child’s weight up in circumstances where he isn’t restricting anything, should I be giving him ice cream every day or something? Cream in his porridge maybe?

He’s just a bit in the shorter side, but still normal at 9th centile. He’s the same as 9 out of 100 children

Remember many kids are overweight, (and overheight sometimes too) the centiles are not what is actually in society today.

@sirfredfredgeorge

He’s just a bit in the shorter side, but still normal at 9th centile. He’s the same as 9 out of 100 children

Remember many kids are overweight, (and overheight sometimes too) the centiles are not what is actually in society today.

What’s your point though? Nine out of 100 if they were all a healthy weight.

The point is that a lot of people take that to mean that they should many similar sized kids in the playgrounds - but obviously they don't, hence they get more worried than they should be.

It really depends on area too. (More deprived=more people who are overweight.)

Meant to say “yeah..and”

My 8.5yo daughter is on the 3rd/4th centile, eats like a horse and is bright, active with no problems sleeping etc - she’s just always been small, she was 5lb 13 and born at 37+4. Try not to worry if he’s eating lots and is otherwise healthy, some kids are just small I think 😊

My sons very very skinny. Can see his ribs skinny. Everyone comments on how skinny he is. He said kids comnebt about in when he changes for PE. I was concerned so
See our GP who weighed him and said hes not actually under weight so hes fine. I was shocked hes such a beanpole. He does eat but not much if I'm honest he doesnt have a big appetite. I'm overweight and theres always lots of food in the house, maybe he doesnt want to be like me. See you GP OP just to check.

Mines very tall though they said out of every 100 kids he will be the tallest. Hope you manage to get advice OP x

I think people have forgotten what children are supposed to look like, as so many are overweight now. In times past many of them would have looked like your son. You should be able to see their ribs.

I think I’ve decided to weigh him again in a month and if no gain I’ll make a doctors appointment.

Thank you again for the help, I’m not a confident mother at all so do appreciate the advice.

@londongirl12

I would go to your GP to check for anything underlying

I also second a GP or HV appointment. Worms or anything else for underlying conditions 💐