Q. What is the reason for abnormal weight gain in a 10-year-old kid?

Answered by

Dr. Mahmoud Ahmed Abelrahman Abouibrahim

and medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team.

Published on Sep 16, 2018

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My son is 10 years 5 months old and is gaining weight. I feel it is more than normal. Thyroid test has been done. He is fully healthy and has food normally.

Answer

Dr. Mahmoud Ahmed Abelrahman Abouibrahim

General Medicine Internal Medicine

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand all your concerns.

I have checked the attached report (attachment removed to protect patient identity). The values point to the state of hypothyroidism. Please revise with me if he has any symptoms like cold intolerance, constipation, low heartbeats or over sleepiness. In case of confirmed diagnosis of hypothyroidism, hormone replacement is required in order to control the symptoms. Wish him all well-being.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Can it affect the height gain in the coming years? He seems to be lazy. However, sleep is normal and no other symptoms as you mentioned. He is not interested in physical activities or sports.

Answer

Dr. Mahmoud Ahmed Abelrahman Abouibrahim

General Medicine Internal Medicine

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Thanks for your follow up.

We have three positive findings. One laboratory and two symptoms. So your son has hypothyroidism which means that his thyroid gland is not forming enough thyroid hormones responsible for body metabolism. Thyroid hormones deficiency is not responsible for the growth, so, less likely to cause short stature directly but as I said the whole body metabolism will be affected so the height could be affected indirectly over time if not corrected.

We start with 25 mcg Levothyroxine tablet per day for one week then 50 mcg Levothyroxine tablet per day and repeat TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) level after one month and dose can be altered accordingly. The dose has been calculated according to the body weight (40 kg). Medical follow up is required. Please let me know if you have any further questions or concerns.