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Avatar universal

Underweight 12 year old boy

My son just turned 12. He has always been underweight. My husband and I both were little when we were kids. My husband is 5'5" and weighs 150. I am 5'2" and weigh 145. So, I know my son is going to be small. But, he is so much smaller than ALL the boys in his grade. I am sorry I do not know his weight right now, but I think it's around 80 pounds. My question is how do I get him to put on weight? He does not eat anything but spaghetti, chicken patty sandwiches (plain), hamburger helper (1 kind only), peanut butter & jelly sandwiches. He loves sweets. Cereal and chocolate. He snacks on cereal all day and night (no milk). I try to get him to eat more foods. He will eat a hamburger (plain). He does not like any condiments or sauces. He doesn't eat mayo, ketchup, mustard, ranch, etc. I am scared about his nutrition because he is so frail looking and I know this age is a building block for adulthood. He does not like ANY veggies. He will eat apples and pears.

Help!
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Avatar universal
I am going through the same thing with my son.  He is 12.  They started him 2 years ago on tube feed because he was 55 lbs, now he is up to 72lbs.  He just does not want to eat lots of stuff and is not a drinker of any sort.
Helpful - 0
267079 tn?1195142970
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
If you are concerned then have his MD do blood-work and break out the cholesterol to see all the cholesterols (good and bad ones). If it is normal then give him regular milk because he is underweight.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Sorry, I just saw your reply!
Yes he does play sports. He does like the Carnation Instant Breakfast, so that's a good thing. He doesn't like any of the other drinks like "Muscle Milk".

Should I give him 2% milk? We have a history of high cholesterol in our family.
Thanks!
Helpful - 0
267079 tn?1195142970
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Does he play sports? As he goes into puberty he will fill in lean body muscle mass with sports. Have him drink milkshakes daily made out of fruit (frozen or fresh), milk or yogurt, and ice cream which is nutrient dense, high calorie and high protein drink; or make Carnation Instant Breakfast. It may help him gain weight.
Helpful - 0

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