Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Underweight Child

S__
I wasn't sure where to post this, but hopefully someone can help me. ( Posted it in another spot, too. Sorry, I'm new here.)
My 8 year old son has a BMI of 12.8, which is below the 5th percentile. He has no apparant medical problems, and at his last doctor visit (amost a year ago), the doctor said that he was fine, but just on the small side of the curve. Honestly, though, I don't have much confidense in this doctor. (I feel like we're just being hurried through the visits. I know I need to switch, but I'm not able to yet, due to insurance restrictions.)
My son needs to gain a little weight. He eats and is somewhat active, but he is a very picky eater. I try to introduce new foods to him, and I give him healthy versions of the foods he will eat. Example: Natural peanut butter on whole wheat bread, Grilled cheese sandwiches- again on whole wheat- with ham or turkey for added protein. It is nearly impossible to get him to eat vegetables, and difficult to get him to eat fruit, though he does drink 100% fruit juice. He also takes a multi-vitamin.
I have heard about using 100% Whey protein powder and about adding dry milk powder to his milk and other foods. (He will drink milk, but mostly only if it has Ovaltine in it, which we only put in about 1 TB, not 4 like the directions say.)
My question is: Is the whey protein powder safe to use, and if so, how much. Or, should I just try the powdered milk? Also, do you have any other suggestions?
Thank you!
6 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
267079 tn?1195142970
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Your son is on the smaller side for his weight and height for his age. It is good news that he has no medical problems. Sometimes children are smaller due to genetics. As longer as he has been growing at a steadily pace, which can be slowly, he will be fine. Make milkshakes out of his Ovaltine milk, which is a very good snack, and children love to be a part of making them. All it takes is milk or soymilk, ice cream and some banana (any fruit). Whip it up in a blender and you have a drink packed with protein and calories. I suggest you get him engaged in helping you in the kitchen with cooking foods and setting the table. Make it fun cutting up vegetables and smelling the cooking of food may get him to try new foods. Main point is to relax. It is important that mealtime does not become a battlefield of the wits. You need to enjoy your meals as much as he does. After mealtimes are calmer, try to introduce some food (one item at a time) to him. If he refuses, then do not become upset. Let it go. Try again after a few months. Hope this helped you and thank you for your question.
Helpful - 1
267079 tn?1195142970
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Powdered milk is cheaper then whey protein powder and they are the same, however, you only get extra protein not calories. If he will drink milk with Ovaltine in it, then give it to him with the Ovaltine. It is better then not drinking it at all. Would you please state his weight and height so I can assess his nutrition status and give you more suggestions? Thank you.
Helpful - 1
267079 tn?1195142970
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Please ask your question separately through on the forum. Thank you
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am Having The same Problem as S__. My Son Is will be 11 on June 10th. I just got a letter from his school that he has a BMI of 11%. he is 64lbs And 4' 7" tall. He is very active the only thing wrong with him his he has had asthma since he was 6 months old and has been on alot of meds. He is not a picky eater but i can't seem to figure out what to feed him and how much to help im goin some weight. Oh ya he is starting pop warner in aug. and it would be nice if we can have him gain some weight before then
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
S__
Thank you for your advice! You put my mind at ease by telling me that he is just on the smaller side, and not telling me that he is very underweight. I will try to get him to drink the Ovaltine milkshakes (Until him, I've never met a child that doesn't like ice cream! LOL!)  I will continue offering him a variety of foods, and I like the idea of him helping with meal prep! Thank you for your time and advice.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
S__
Thank you for the info.
I would love more suggestions, if you have any!
He is 3 ft. 11 in. and weighs only 40 - 43 lbs.
Helpful - 0

You are reading content posted in the Nutrition Forum

Popular Resources
14 super-healthy foods that are worth the hype
Small changes make a big impact with these easy ways to cut hundreds of calories a day.
Forget the fountain of youth – try flossing instead! Here are 11 surprising ways to live longer.
From STD tests to mammograms, find out which screening tests you need - and when to get them.
Tips and moves to ease backaches
Here are 12 simple – and fun! – ways to boost your brainpower.