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What Causes Low Appetite And Weight Loss In A 3 Year Old?
Question: Hello
My three year old son is just not interested in food. I think his case is really severe because he just doesn't want to try anything new, not even snacks. For the last three weeks the situation is really critical and I think he is losing weight. I'm trying not to give him any juice or snacks between meals but it doesn't seem to work either. I'm desperate, and I think he needs to take something to open his appetite, can you please suggest? He is three yard and three months old. Thank you for your help
My three year old son is just not interested in food. I think his case is really severe because he just doesn't want to try anything new, not even snacks. For the last three weeks the situation is really critical and I think he is losing weight. I'm trying not to give him any juice or snacks between meals but it doesn't seem to work either. I'm desperate, and I think he needs to take something to open his appetite, can you please suggest? He is three yard and three months old. Thank you for your help
Brief Answer:
It may need to have a basic evaluation.
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,welcome to HealthcareMagic forum.
I am Dr Aslam here to help you.
There is a normal decrease in nutritional requirement and apatite by the end of 2 years of age,due to normal slowing in somatic and brain growth.more than 95% cases of such complaints are attributable to this.
The first thing to be done in such a case is to compare his weight with normal for his age and sex to see any inadequacy,and to record any weight loss by charting.
Only if this reflects any problem,we need further evaluation.
When an evaluation is warranted,the usual suspected causes are anemia,worm infestation,chronic infections like tuberculosis etc.
In such cases in my clinic,after having a thorough physical examination,I will order for a basic work up with complete blood count,ESR,urine routine and others like chest x ray if indicated.
If everything comes normal,I will just reassure the parents.
Your pediatrician will guide you.
Hope I have answered your query.If you have further questions,I will be happy to help.
Thank you.
It may need to have a basic evaluation.
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,welcome to HealthcareMagic forum.
I am Dr Aslam here to help you.
There is a normal decrease in nutritional requirement and apatite by the end of 2 years of age,due to normal slowing in somatic and brain growth.more than 95% cases of such complaints are attributable to this.
The first thing to be done in such a case is to compare his weight with normal for his age and sex to see any inadequacy,and to record any weight loss by charting.
Only if this reflects any problem,we need further evaluation.
When an evaluation is warranted,the usual suspected causes are anemia,worm infestation,chronic infections like tuberculosis etc.
In such cases in my clinic,after having a thorough physical examination,I will order for a basic work up with complete blood count,ESR,urine routine and others like chest x ray if indicated.
If everything comes normal,I will just reassure the parents.
Your pediatrician will guide you.
Hope I have answered your query.If you have further questions,I will be happy to help.
Thank you.
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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