In this time and age when obesity is becoming more and more of a problem affecting the health and wellbeing of both adults and children, being underweight is a weight problem that does not get much attention.

Low weight in children can happen for many reasons. Sometimes low weight is simply the result of the child becoming more active, but other times it can indicate the presence of an underlying medical problem that needs attention. Here are some of the medical conditions that may be causing your child to be underweight.

Digestive Problems

Diseases and conditions that affect the digestive system can cause low weight in children. This includes many problems, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, which often makes the child eat less so as not to have heartburn or stomachache. Other conditions may cause chronic vomiting or diarrhea, which usually indicates a serious condition that requires immediate attention.

Absorption Problems

Some conditions prevent the digestive system from properly absorbing calories and nutrients from food. This causes the child to benefit less from the food they eat and makes gaining weight as they grow more difficult.

Thyroid Disease

Hormones released by the thyroid gland regulate metabolism, the process by which the body turns food into usable energy. In other words, the hormones determine how fast the body burns calories. Having an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) causes the body to burn calories at an increased rate, which makes it more difficult to gain weight.

Food Allergies

Food allergies and intolerances can make it difficult for a child to enjoy food and get enough calories from it. For example, milk allergy or lactose intolerance can prevent your child from consuming dairy products, which are healthy and calorie-rich.

Medications

If your child has another condition and is currently taking medications for it, the medication may be causing the slow weight gain. Talk to your child’s doctor about this to see if there are alternatives.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are mental illnesses that affect the child’s eating habits. These serious mental conditions are quite prevalent among teens and can significantly hamper weight gain. Eating disorders are closely related to self-image, and they can lead to negative eating behaviors in an attempt to maintain low weight. Such behaviors aim to prevent weight gain and include excessive dieting and exercise, induced vomiting, or taking laxatives.

If you suspect your child is underweight, schedule an appointment with their doctor. A thorough examination will help your doctor determine if there is an underlying cause for your child’s low weight and offer help or treatment to deal with the cause and help the child gain weight healthily.