Why is your child a picky eater?

Children may have poor appetite due to slow growth, illness, stress or digestive problems.

Anorexia is common in children between the ages of two and five. This condition can be caused by the following reasons.

Sick

Children may lose their appetite due to chronic illness, infection, or allergies. Sore throats, stomach flu, diarrhea, headaches, fever, or other cold symptoms can also cause your child to eat less. Most children regain their appetite once they are well again.

Stress, depression

Stress can cause many negative effects, including loss of appetite in children. To overcome this, adults need to identify the cause of stress for their children, often family events (loss of a loved one, parents' divorce), being bullied...

Depression can be the reason why children lose interest in eating. Parents should distinguish between depression and sadness. Sadness will go away with time, but depression will not.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), depression is one of the most common mental health problems in children. Statistics from 2016-2019 showed that the rate of diagnosed depression in children aged 3-17 in this country was 4.4%. Parents should take their children to see a doctor if they are worried about their mental health.

Stress and depression can make children tired, lethargic and lose their appetite. Photo: Freepik

Slow growth

Changes in growth and development can cause a child to lose appetite. In the first year, children grow rapidly but the growth rate slows down later and they may eat less. It is normal for children to have a low appetite during this period. However, if anorexia persists and seriously affects physical development, parents should take their child to see a doctor soon.

Drug side effects

Children who have recently taken antibiotics may also experience changes in their eating habits due to side effects. Some other medications can also reduce appetite. Parents should talk to their doctor if they suspect their child is having a poor appetite due to medication.

Anemia

Anemia causes lethargy, fatigue, irritability and also causes children to lose their appetite. If left untreated, anemia can hinder growth and affect a child's academic performance.

Digestive problems

Worms enter the digestive system, live as parasites, causing intestinal bleeding, loss of appetite... Children over two years old should be dewormed at least once a year or as advised by a pediatrician. Children with irregular bowel movements can lead to constipation, and over time, loss of appetite.

In addition to the above causes, children's poor appetite can be due to inappropriate food portions, nutritional regimen, and parenting methods.

Children with anorexia who have standard weight and height are not a cause for concern. Parents should observe their children's eating habits to find the cause of their loss of appetite. If their children suddenly lose their appetite, accompanied by weight loss, parents should consult a pediatrician for advice.

Bao Bao (According to Momjunction )

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