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my son is under weight...i need advice please!
- Aug 26, 2010 at 11:50 PM
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I have always been underweight, and as I kid I drank protein shakes. But honestly it did nothing for me. I'm just naturally thin, as is my dad and his dad. My suggestion would be to take him to see a nutritionist. They will be able to assess his weight and health and provide healthy ways for him put a little weight on. I wish my parents would have done that for me when I was young.
Not underweight here, but I'm with KellyP, take him to a nutritionist, that way at least if the school says anything you can say, "His pediatrician says he's fine, but he's visiting a nutritionist to work on it" that way, they can't say you are ignoring or contributing to it.
i was told my a nutritionist about 2 years ago that i should feed my oldest son a high protein diet because he was under weight. one thing she wanted me to feed him peanut butter on all his snacks.
i did this for about three months and it didn't do anything for him. his weight evened out on its own.
You could try a few things. My best friend is having this problem too. She just got back from Iraq and non of her clothes fit.
1) You could try ensure. It is safe for a 9yr old or any other protein drink such as slim fast as well. They are not just for diets but of course don't replace a meal with it. Make it a part of the meal.
2) I think a good hearty breakfast is always a good idea. Try grits with some cheese and some bacon or another breakfast meat and a fruit. Cold cereal never really hits the spot.
3) Get him checked for food allergies. Often times when you have them they keep your digestive track inflamed and makes it harder to process and get nutrients from your food. Go to an allergist and have a regular blood test done. This will test for foods that give him an immediate allergic reaction that he should stay away from. For me it's anything with Tapioca makes my throat close up and for my brother he has an anaphylactic response to shellfish.
And get an IgG food allergy test that will test for foods that have a secondary reaction like inflaming the GI tract and hindering digestion. Lactose intolerance and gluten allergies come under this category. It may cost more than the regular one from the allergist but it is worth it. It's better to catch it now than wait if there is a problem.
Good luck and if you do put him on ADHD meds feed him first or he will really lose his appetite and not eat at all and for the dose at school make sure its after lunch.
If you do try and use any of the "shake" type drinks...you might want to cut them with milk...they are so thick -- or even use them in milkshakes.
If your child's Doc isn't concerned I wouldn't be either. The Doc can send a note to the school if need be.
Some other ideas here:
My 9yo was under weight. I was told to give him carnation instant with his breakfast and dinner. I did that and he gained a few pounds.
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I was underweight too as a child but I turned out just fine. I am having that battle right now with my Pediatrician about my 2 year old daughter being underweight. It is my belief that children, in most cases, will eat when they are ready. Have you done an allergy test on your son? My, now 8 year old, had some low weight issues as well and he has allergies. Sometimes, food allergies can cause a problem with your stomach absorbing nutrients. Not to scare you, but there are also other reason for weight issues.
- ChicaThis
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