While grown-ups are often worried about losing weight and always looking to shed those extra pounds, most parents are obsessed with having a chubby child and link more weight with better health. This couldn’t be further than the truth. Making a child gain weight is an unhealthy practice, and unless advised by your pediatrician, a child’s weight shouldn’t be a matter of concern if they are meeting all their milestones and are active, happy kids.
avitalchn / Pixabay. Some children weigh more than others due to various factors.
Why are some kids skinnier than others?
There are a number of reasons why some children weigh more than others in their age group. It could be due to their short height, making their BMI almost equal. Another reason behind their lower weight could be them being small-boned, having a smaller body frame.
The process of puberty also changes the height and weight of a child, and those with early or late puberty experience the effect on their weight at different times, making some children of the same age heavier than others.
Genetics also play a significant role in determining a child’s body’s inclination towards weight gain.
RitaE/Pixabay. Eating empty carbs to gain weight is an unhealthy practice
Upon evaluation by their doctor, if a child is advised to gain some weight, then they are also advised to do it the right and healthy way. Empty carbs and filling up a child’s tummy with junk might make them instantly heavier, but it is certainly not healthy or better in any way. If your child feels that they are smaller and weaker looking than children their age, then treating them with empathy and improving their diet, sleep and exercise regime might be the best way forward.
It is also a good time to teach your child about body positivity and how all people cannot be the same size and height. It must also be taught that there is beauty in diversity, and accepting our body as it is, as long as it is healthy, is the key to happiness and stable social and personal relations.
TrileMedia/Pixabay. A healthy diet and physical play is most important for healthy weight gain in children
All children, regardless of whether they are on the heavier or lighter side of the scale, need physical activity and exercise to remain healthy and sharp. Exercise is surely used as a tool for losing weight by the grown-ups but for children, building strong muscles and bones is far more important than gaining a few extra pounds, unless, of course, advised otherwise by their doctor. Changing one’s diet to one that has more good fats and healthy carbs, along with a suitable exercise regime is important for a child’s growth and sound health.
