Most parents feel alarmed when their children become overweight, and not many people think about their children being underweight. Children who are underweight for their age is a real problem that is often overlooked due to the obesity epidemic among children.

Another problem for dealing with underweight children is recognizing they are underweight in the first place. Because children are still growing, they probably are putting on some weight, so it is tricky to identify that they are underweight for their age and size.

Many factors and causes can lead a child to be underweight; some are simple and can be solved easily, while others may require visiting a doctor and getting proper treatment. Note that being underweight is different than being skinny or thin, and many kids will appear skinny while not being underweight.

Knowing that a child is underweight is difficult like we mentioned, and making a doctor's appointment to check if your child's weight is suitable for their age and size is important. The following are some signs that your child is underweight. If you notice any of these signs, it is recommended that you take your child to see a doctor.

• Watch your child's clothes. If you notice your child does not outgrow their clothes in a few months, this might indicate that your child is underweight or not gaining enough weight.
• When you are bathing your child, observe their ribs. If their ribs are sticking out, it may mean that they are underweight.
• Regularly calculate your child's body mass index (BMI). BMI is a calculation that factors in your child's current weight and height to help you determine if your child's weight is over, under, or within the proper range. You can find many BMI calculators online, but make sure it is for kids or that it factors in age as well.

Always remember that these are merely signs that may indicate your child is underweight and do not definitively point to it. When in doubt take your child to see their doctor to be sure. Additionally, being underweight does not necessarily mean that there is something wrong with your child.