Why is your child a picky eater?

Children may lose their appetite or have a poor appetite due to developmental delays, illness, stress, or digestive problems.

Loss of appetite is common in children aged two to five years old. This condition can stem from the following causes.

Having the disease

Children may lose their appetite due to chronic illnesses, infections, or allergies. Sore throats, stomach upset, diarrhea, headaches, fever, or other cold symptoms can also cause children to eat less. Most children regain their appetite once they are healthy again.

Stress, depression

Stress can have many negative effects, including loss of appetite in children. To address this, adults need to identify the cause of their child's stress, which is often family trauma (loss of a loved one, parental divorce), bullying, etc.

Depression can be a cause of loss of appetite in children. Parents should distinguish depression from sadness; feelings of sadness will go away over time, but depression will not.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), depression is one of the most common mental health problems in children. Statistics from 2016-2019 show that the rate of diagnosed depression in children aged 3-17 in the country was 4.4%. Parents should take their children for a check-up if they are concerned about their child's 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 babies to become picky eaters. During the first year, babies grow rapidly, but their growth rate slows afterward, and they may eat less. It's normal for babies to have a reduced appetite at this stage. However, if picky eating persists and seriously affects physical development, parents should take their child to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Drug side effects

Children who have recently taken antibiotics may experience changes in eating habits due to the side effects of the medication. Some other medications can also reduce appetite. Parents should discuss this with their doctor if they suspect their child's loss of appetite is due to medication.

Anemia

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

Digestive problems

Worms invade the digestive system, living as parasites, causing intestinal bleeding, loss of appetite, etc. Children over two years old should be dewormed at least once a year or as advised by a pediatrician. Irregular bowel movements can lead to constipation, which over time can result in loss of appetite.

Besides the reasons mentioned above, picky eating in children can also be due to inappropriate diets, nutritional habits, or parenting methods.

Children with poor appetite but normal weight and height are not a cause for concern. Parents should observe their child's eating habits to find the reason for their loss of appetite. If the child suddenly loses their appetite, accompanied by weight loss, parents should consult a pediatrician for treatment.

Bao Bao (According to Momjunction )

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