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Child Has Less Weight And Is Not Eating Properly

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Posted on Thu, 23 Feb 2012
Twitter Thu, 23 Feb 2012 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 29 Jun 2012 Last reviewed on
Question : My daughter she is 18 months year old. Her weight is 8.4kg. She is not eating properly.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Hema Yadav (6 hours later)
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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Answered by
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Dr. Hema Yadav

Pediatrician, Infectious Diseases

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 1528 Questions

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Child Has Less Weight And 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