weight loss in children

[ksdb1396]

I have a stepson who has lost about 32 pounds in less than a year, I am very concerened and am sick and tied of people asking questions.  My husband is very touchy about the situation, and always on defense.  Should I be concerend?  Unfortuntely my stepsons mother will no get voted for the world's greatest mother, and really doesn't care.  I would like to find out why he lost so much weight in a short peiord of time.  He is 12 years old and is about 4'8.  He really worries me, his eyes are sunken in, with circles and just doesn't look very healthy.

Very concerened.

[Pam 2006]

I wouldn't jump to the conclusion of cancer.  He could have hyperthyroid.

I would take him to get a physical and get some blood work done.
Is he under going a lot of stress?

[misschrissy]

is it possible he is using some kind of substance? I know 12 is a little young, but are there any other symptoms or problems in his life? Has anything else changed besides his weight?

[me_gillioun]

How is his teeth? I was a foster parent for a few years until we abopted. We had 20 children over 4 years. I learned alot. If he is taking drugs. He will be different. Weed won't make him loose weight that fast. The big thing now is meth. It is the worst. Most anyone who tries it once is hooked. He will be a little parinoied at first. Very jumpy or nervous, his eyes will sink and get dark around them after a while. His teeth will rot. He will be hard to get along with. He will get angery easly. There are other things as well. Younger kids like to huff, White out, Nail polish, gas etc. I have also heard about school kids mixing cold pills to get high. Meth or crack will make someone loose weight very fast, but there are lots of signs. Sometimes its takes parents a little longer to see the signs than other people. Just watch him. Keep an eye on any medication you have in your home. Most people doing drugs still as well to get there next fix. If you find he is on meth or anything for that matter get help asap! Meth is nothing to play with. Kids as young as Jr. High can get meth. Lots of Luck and prayers. KG