poor appetite

My son was born at term weighing 8lbs10 with no health problems but has not thrived since. he is now 7years old and has no appetite whatsoever - he will eat most things but says ' am not hungry.' He is below the 3% centile and has extensive tests all of which are normal except his bone age which is delayed to that of a 2year old. please help as I am so worried about him

[Renee Radenberg]

From the measurements you stated his weight is in the 10th percentile and his height is below the 5th percentile for his age. His weight is not that bad. Suggest giving him nutrient dense drinks, such as Pedisure or Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink instead of milk so he gets additional calories, nutrients, and protein. Children love to cook. Have him help you with preparing foods and setting the table. Help him make milkshakes (ice cream, fresh fruit or frozen fruit, milk) or yogurt smoothies (yogurt, fresh fruit, and frozen fruit) and he will additional vitamins and minerals. Hopefully this will increase his interest in food. The most important thing is to relax. If his appetite does not return, suggest having him seen by his doctor.