Undoubtedly, the tricky subject of weight among kids and teens frequently centers on the negative effects of being overweight or obese on one’s health. But there are instances when a kid needs to put on some weight. There are many methods to achieve it, but not all seem healthy.
See your physician before starting any weight-gaining efforts on your kid if you’re unsure about their need to put on weight. There’s a good chance that your kid’s weight is perfect. It’s understandable why a parent may believe their kid is underweight, considering one in five and one in six children in the US are obese and overweight, respectively. Checking your child’s body mass index (BMI), a measurement based on their weight and height used for kids aged two and older, is one approach to determine if their weight is normal.
Be certain to express your worries to your physician if your child is losing weight or is underweight because this could indicate a health or mental issue. Then, they could ask to see the child to determine whether any examinations are required.
If the physician recommends that the child gain weight, healthy foods and habits are the correct way to go about it. The best way to encourage the child to gain weight is to give them three meals per day with healthy snacks in between. Avoid snacks or fluids besides water before mealtime so the child can be hungry when eating.
The other way is offering high-calorie foods like proteins and healthy fat foods. Some foods include avocados, hummus, nuts and nut butter, vegetable and olive olds, whole grains, and full-fat dairy products. Finally, ensure you add some calories whenever you give the kid a snack, meal, or snack. For instance, add extra oil, cheese, and butter to pasta or nut butter on toast. Always have regular check-ins with the physician to monitor the child’s progress in the weight gain journey.