Q: My 9-year-old child is 122cm and 21kg, eats very little, and hasn't gained weight in a year. Should we visit a hospital?

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Question:

I am very frustrated with my 9-year-old child's growth and eating habits. She is currently in the 4th grade, but her height is still 122 cm and she weighs only 21 kg. She dislikes eating, has a very poor appetite, and only eats small amounts of her favorite foods. Today, she only had a few spoonfuls of soup and a couple of rice cakes. I am worried to the point of suspecting an eating disorder.

She grows barely 5 cm a year, and her weight has been stuck in the 21 kg range for a whole year. Is this acceptable, or is there an underlying problem? Should I take her to a hospital? She is very sensitive to taste and physical sensations, gets scared easily, and refuses to eat even more when she feels slightly unwell. It is extremely hard to even get her to take vitamins. What should I do in this situation? Should I just wait until she outgrows it?

Answer:

You must be very worried about your 4th grader's growth and eating issues. I can understand how frustrating it must be to struggle with meals every day, especially when her growth is also slow.

[Current Growth Status Evaluation]

• Based on a 9-year-old girl: Height 122 cm (below the 3rd percentile), Weight 21 kg (3rd percentile)

• No change in weight for a year is a concerning situation.

• A height growth of 5 cm/year is at the lower limit of normal, but it requires evaluation when accompanied by weight stagnation.

[Reasons Why Immediate Medical Consultation is Needed]

1. No weight gain for a year → It is essential to identify the cause of the growth stagnation.

2. Extremely limited food intake and variety.

3. Hypersensitivity to physical symptoms.

→ I recommend visiting a pediatric endocrinology department or a growth clinic.

[Things to Check at the Hospital]

• Growth hormone and thyroid function tests

• Blood tests for anemia and nutritional status

• Bone age assessment

• Check for gastrointestinal issues

• Evaluation related to sensory hypersensitivity or anxiety

[Things You Can Try Immediately]

1. Add nutrition to her favorite foods: Add ingredients like eggs or cheese to the snacks she likes.

2. Approach food through play: Cook together to increase familiarity with food.

3. Small, frequent meals: Offer small amounts every 3 hours.

4. Stress-free meals: Create a comfortable atmosphere instead of forcing her to eat.

Children who are highly sensitive to taste and physical sensations may have ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), making an expert evaluation crucial. Please do not worry alone and make sure to consult with a medical professional.

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

https://fevercoach.us