Download FREE Practo app
Get ₹200 HealthCash
Regarding my son underweight
Hi doctor,
My son is 8years old. He eats very less. If more than his usual intake of food , do I give. He feels full. He doesn't say hungry, I want food by his own. Any time, I ask him eat. He will not come forward voluntarily to eat. His tummy full he says. How to increase his appetite and raise his weight.?. Give me tips
Answers (9)
Get your queries answered instantly with Care AI FREE
20000+ health queries resolved in last month
It’s common for children in his age have issues with their appetites and are picky eaters, but it’s also important for children at this age to consume a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients and maintain good eating habits rather than forcing them to eat.
Below are some guidelines which will help your child eat better:
- Give him small and frequent meals throughout the day, instead of giving him large portions at once which will help him eat better and gain appetite.
- Make meals look attractive by using colourful fruits and vegetables, fun shapes, or involve him in helping you cook simple dishes.
- Add healthy snacks in his diet such as dry fruit laddoos, nuts, roasted makhana, peanut butter with brown bread toast, or fruit smoothies.
- Encourage more physical activity and outdoor playing as exercise will increase the hunger naturally.
- Limit the intake of fast foods, packaged snacks, and sugary drinks which will make him avoid the nutritious foods.
- Maintain regular meal and sleep timings for better metabolism.
Next Steps
If you want a personalized plan for your child’s needs, do reach out to us.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Didn't find the answer you are looking for?
Talk to experienced dietitian online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.
+107
Please ask me directly for personalized diet plan.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Hi
Please talk to a pediatrician and check if he needs deworming. Contact me through the app for a diet plan to support optimal growth and development for your child.
I need to understand his metrics, food likes and dislikes
Next Steps
You can also contact through my website for a free 15 minute call to understand the details better.
https://www.pragmaticnutritionist.com/
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
👉 Tips to improve appetite and weight:
Offer 5–6 small, nutritious meals throughout the day instead of 2–3 large ones.
Include protein-rich foods like milk, curd, paneer, eggs, dals, peanut butter, and nuts.
Give healthy homemade snacks such as upma, poha, paratha, idli, or sandwiches.
Avoid too much junk food and packaged drinks.
Encourage outdoor play and physical activity — this naturally increases hunger.
Make food look colorful and interesting to attract your child.
If your child looks very weak, falls sick often, or his weight is below average for age, please consult a pediatrician or a nutritionist for proper evaluation.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Kavita Dwivedi
Homoeopath
15 yrs exp
Raipur
Take a personalised consult for proper treatment consult online through practo app for proper management
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Ms. Ridhima Dhingra
Dietitian/Nutritionist
22 yrs exp
Bangalore
It can get challenging to feed a child esp when they just don’t want to eat .
Focus on:
His social relationships
His outdoor play duration and intensity
Try different recipes
Stop over stressing on food during meals
These are few generalised things that can cause eating issues among kids though for an exact cause and action plan please reach out via Practo appointment
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Ms. Neema Yadav
Dietitian/Nutritionist
5 yrs exp
Kolhapur
Rule out medical conditions like
Check for illness like anaemia, thyroid problems, chronic infection, worms , malabsorption etc
Review medication done medication can reduce appetite
Check emotional/ behaviour causes :
Stress , school, picky eating habits
High calorie add ons ( mix into meals )
Ghee, butter , cheese
Nut powder
Smoothie either full fat milk
Avocado , banana, mango
Eggs, paneer, chicken , fish
Sprouts dals with lemons and salt
Lifestyle tips to increase appetite
Regular play -1-2 hours of active play
No juices before meals : it can fill up stomach
Small frequent meals: 5-6 small meals are better than 3 large ones
Family eating time :
Eating together often improves interest in foods
Avoid pressure: don’t forced feed , it can cause intolerance
Avoid:
Excess chips, sugary drinks and chocolate-they reduce appetite
Iron zinc deficiency untreated: they blunt appetite
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Ms. Somya Jain
Dietitian/Nutritionist
9 yrs exp
Delhi
Its normal
Try to give him some reward by adding sometime providing favourite meals
Try to give handy food options so they can eat in hand
Don't serve as regular meals
Add some fancy looks also
That attracts them
Next Steps
for detailed counselling connection over consultation with me
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Ms. Trupti Padhi
Dietitian/Nutritionist
16 yrs exp
Bhubaneswar
Good evening pls join consultation directly through app.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Articles you may like
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
The question asked on this page is a free question. You can ask a free health question by downloading the Practo app.
Articles you may like
Tell us what's troubling you
Tell us what's troubling you
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.