Underweight Help!

[swhite84]

I was wondering if I could get some help with my daughter. She went in for her 12 Month checkup weighing in at 15 lbs. 8 oz. She is losing weight, and I cant figure out why. The doctors are ready to start extensive testing to see what the problem is. We have increased calories, started PediaSure, etc. to try and get things better, but she just wont gain weight..can anyone provide some reasons why, or what is this a symptom of..could there be a serious problem going on? She plays and eats great! Shes not picky, and she has a great personality!What is the deal? Thanks! :)

[Renee Radenberg]

If she has been gaining weight very slowly but steadily through her first year then she would be fine (small and underweight but ok), however, if she has started to lose weight with a good appetite then she needs the testing the MDs will be doing. It is impossible to say what is going on without doing tests. The testing will find out 'why' and then she will be treated properly. To give your daughter extra calories/protein, make a milkshake out of the Pedisure with frozen fruit and ice cream. Thank you for your question and best of luck.

[AliChapman]

Sounds like Failure to Thrive.  You need to increase her calorie intake in any way possible.  Whole milk products (Yo-Baby Yogurt is great!), adding butter/margarine to foods when possible are some examples to add more fat and calories to her diet.  How much weight has she lost?  Is she walking yet?  Walking of course will burn extra calories so its important to load her with high calorie foods.  Hopefully the doctors will find something more helpful for you through testing.  Good luck!