How to help my 5-year-old niece gain weight?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am asking on behalf of my niece, who is five years old and weighs 32.8 lbs, in the past year or so. She is not gaining weight. We took her for a CBP test. I am attaching the report. Please let us know what you observe.

Also, for the past week, she got a cold, cough, and slight fever, for which we took her to a doctor, and he prescribed medicines for one month. The primary purpose of this query is to determine why she is not gaining weight. She hates rice and does not eat more than five spoons. She eats regular flatbread or a crepe a little bit, but hates rice.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

We need to know the birth weight of the child. Also, the activities she performs. Sometimes children are lean but very active. The blood report shows some infection (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). As you mentioned, she has had a fever for a week, so this is expected.

What about the urine test report?
Also, is any throat pain present?
How are the child's activities now? Is she playful? Send all the details.
We will take one thing at a time. First, her current illness, and what medicines are you giving her now?

Please let me know if you need any help.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

She is recovering from her illness. Some children are picky eaters. You should avoid giving too much milk or junk food. Her Hb (hemoglobin) level is normal. Since you mentioned that she is active, no need to force-feed her; give her lunch and dinner, and no snacks during mealtime.

You can add butter or clarified butter to flatbread or crepes. You can also try flavored rice. Sometimes children like colorful and flavored rice. Do not force-feed. Gradually, she will learn to eat all homemade things. You can try some appetizers and protein milk powder. Also, if parents are lean, children can be like them; it is normal.

I hope that you get your answer.

Please let me know if you need any help.

Thank you.