Why do children eat a lot but still struggle to gain weight?

The phenomenon of children eating a lot but still not gaining weight is one of the concerns for parents. Although children may consume a large quantity, the lack of quality, imbalanced nutrient sources, and various other factors can lead to this situation. This article below will elucidate the reasons and provide some suitable solutions to ensure comprehensive child development.

Eating in Quantity but Lacking Nutritional Quality

According to Expert - Dr. Phan Thi Hien Thu, Former Head of the Nutrition Communication Department of HCMC Nutrition Center: One of the significant reasons causing children to eat a lot but not gain weight is the provision of excessive food that is imbalanced and does not ensure nutritional quality.

For instance, to promote weight gain, children need to supplement all four main nutrient groups, including starch (rice, noodles, bread,...), protein (meat, fish, eggs, milk,...), vegetables, and good fats. In the age of weaning, when parents introduce the Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) method, children tend to choose foods they like, especially vegetables and fruits, which are relatively easy to eat but provide fewer calories. Similarly, with traditional weaning, although children may eat a lot of porridge, it is also a food that provides fewer calories.

Elaborating on this, Dr. Thu mentioned that the energy from porridge and vegetables is not high, and essential nutrients like protein and fat are lacking, resulting in insufficient nutritional quality in the meal.

Moreover, children with a tendency to overeat often have a tendency to reduce or skip some milk meals during the day, thereby preventing children from absorbing sufficient essential nutrients.

Solution: Parents should adjust a balanced menu with 4 groups of nutrients and various types of foods, including meat, fish, grains, vegetables, and fruits in the child's daily meals to ensure the child receives sufficient necessary nutrients. 

Children are prone to snack illnesses

When children frequently suffer from snack illnesses, bacteria will use the child's energy source, thereby partially digesting nutrients, causing the child to lose appetite and lose weight rapidly. 

Solution: Parents ensure that children are vaccinated and follow a regular worming schedule to prevent snack illnesses. Pay attention to protecting the child carefully when the weather conditions change and maintain personal hygiene daily. 

Children have not been regularly wormed fully

Expert - Dr.Phan Thi Hien Thu stated: From the time they can crawl or grasp objects, children are more prone to infection from the surrounding environment. Additionally, the foods children consume during the weaning period can also expose them to infections, worms, and more. 

According to the norm, children only need worming at the age of 2. However, there are cases where children at just 1 year old show clear signs of pinworms or roundworms after visiting the doctor. Parents can recognize signs of worm infection in children such as excessive crying at night or grinding teeth while sleeping. The presence of worms in the child's body can lead to various issues, including rapid weight loss and malnutrition. 

Solution: Parents need to closely monitor their children and take them for a check-up as soon as they notice signs of worm infestation. Ensure regular and complete worming for children according to the doctor's instructions. 

Active and energetic children, consuming a lot of energy

Another reason why children eat a lot, yet don't gain weight, could be that they expend too much energy in a day, leading these little ones to need more calorie absorption through food. 

Solution: Parents must ensure to provide an adequate amount of calories depending on the physique to meet the growth needs of each child. 

The situation where a child eats a lot but doesn't gain weight can occur due to various reasons. To address this issue, parents need to ensure that the child is provided with a complete and balanced source of nutrients, undergoes regular worming, and closely monitors signs of illnesses and infections. When worried about the child's weight, discuss with the doctor for appropriate support and guidance. 

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