Concerned about 7 yr olds weight - is it too low?

[orangeplum]

My 7 year old DS is on the 98th percentile for his height. However, he is on the 50th percentile for his weight. He doesn't eat a range of foods preferring pasta and cereal rather than too much meat etc.

He appears to be thin. Should I be concerned about his weight. I think he is getting taller and thinner as he grows and apart from when he was a baby (9lbs 11oz when born 2 weeks early) has always appeared skinny.

How long had he been on the weight centile?

What type of body builds are in your family?

My DS1 ( aged 8) is clinicially underweight. It is genetic. He is not even on the chart now, dropped off a few year ago and is on the 80th centile for height. But he is healthy and very sporty with a lot of after school active clubs he is dedicated to.

The Dr's told us to feed him cake ( and other high calorie/fat foods) but it makes no difference.

I wouldn't worry, everyone is different. As long as he eats and is happy that's all that counts. I expect he doesn't sit still and just burns his calories off. If you are worried most health visitors have clinics so you could speak to one of them.

If he's on the 98th centile for height then he's had enough going in his system to keep growth up, so unless he feels lethargic or is regularly under the weather, try not to be too concerned. Things like pasta and cereal contain a fair amount of calories especially if they come with other things, which they often do. Also, they do contain some iron, a little protein and other nutrition so there are worse things he could be eating. Just try and serve them with a protein and veggies or salad. If he's not into meat, try different types of fish, cheese (he might like parmesan cheese on top of pasta which has protein, calcium and lots of calories) or even something made with an egg. The only meat my daughter eats is chicken, so this is what we do. I'm sure you do, but obviously make sure he has breakfast, lunch and tea, perhaps slighly larger portions if you think he'll eat them, as well offering snacks throughout the day - obviously try and make some of these healthy ones!

Next time he (or you) have an appointment at the doctors you could always ask.

Thanks so much for all your comments. Our body builds as a family are not partic skinny/tall and thin so it must come from the generation above and poss across if that makes sense. He is sporty and healthy and doesn't often get ill just v skinny and you can see his ribs etc. I will take your advice and ask the next time we are at the doctors for something else - thankfully not too often! You are right at least those things he eats are healthy and he likes cheese and also a Tom sauce so not too bad.