Causes of loss of appetite in children

Causes of loss of appetite in children

If your child seems tired and irritable, it may be due to a sudden loss of appetite or not getting enough nutrition. Here are some reasons for children's loss of appetite.

1| Slow growth rate

The difference in growth and development rates in children causes a decrease in their appetite. The infant's growth during the first year is rapid, but after that, growth slows down, and the desire to eat decreases. A decrease in appetite is normal, as the child needs to gain less weight than he did in the first year.

2| Illness

Your child may lose appetite due to fever, infection, illness, or allergies. If your child has symptoms such as sore throat, headache, or fever, losing appetite during such times is normal and not a cause for concern. Children usually regain their normal appetite after they recover from illness.

3| Mental health issues

Stress and anxiety directly affect health, and in children, loss of appetite is one of the symptoms that accompany the child's stress and anxiety. Your child may feel anxious and stressed due to the death of a relative, moving to a new school or country, or the birth of a new child, or because of exposure to bullying, or because of parental pressure on the child to excel academically. Any of these reasons may be why children do not feel hungry.

Your child may also feel depressed. Don't be surprised; depression in children is an actual condition, and it's different from feeling sad. If you notice that your child has lost interest in activities he used to enjoy, doesn’t eat as much as he used to, and has trouble sleeping, talk to a child mental health professional and make sure that your child gets the appropriate treatment.

4| Eating disorders

Because children want to imitate celebrities and have slim bodies, they may develop a psychological rejection of food, so they stop eating for long hours and eat small amounts when it is time to eat; they reject certain foods and develop new food selectivity. They eat low-calorie foods and feel guilty after eating anything. If you notice these signs in your child, they may have an eating disorder, so it is essential to see a specialist in this field for immediate treatment. Refusing food for long periods hurts the child's physical and mental health. Make sure to be a role model for your children, do not talk about your body or weight gain in front of them excessively, and do not reinforce your ideas about the ideal body shape so that your view of thinness and obesity does not lead to eating disorders in your child.

5| Some medications

If your child has a medical condition that requires a doctor to prescribe antibiotics, this may affect their appetite. Loss of appetite is a side effect of many medications, especially antibiotics.

6| Anemia

Anemia is one of the causes of loss of appetite in children, and it also causes fatigue and exhaustion. Ask your pediatrician to conduct tests on your child so that he can prescribe the appropriate treatment if he has anemia.

7| Intestinal worms

Intestinal worms cause a loss of appetite in your child. The worms enter your child's digestive system and live there as parasites, causing intestinal bleeding, loss of appetite, and other problems. In this case, the doctor prescribes medication to eliminate these worms and the accompanying symptoms.

8| Constipation

Constipation and irregular bowel movements are among the causes of a sudden loss of appetite in children.

Tips to improve your child's appetite

1| Offer the favorite foods

Ensure to serve your child's favorite foods, such as macaroni and cheese, pizza, fruit salad, and granola. Make sure that each meal includes something your child loves.

2| Set a specific time to eat

Make sure your child has three main meals and a snack served at the same time every day. Routine and repetition are essential in developing a healthy appetite in children.

3| Don't offer alternatives

Do not give in to your child's sudden food selectivity and rush to offer an alternative to what you prepared for the family. You can do this with a food your child did not like before, but getting him used to other options will not help restore his appetite.

4| Encourage movement

Children love to play, jump, run, and dance. Movement is important for a child's physical and mental health and is an essential factor in enhancing appetite in children due to the calories burned during movement. Encourage your child to play, move, and exercise.

5| Get rid of distractions

Make sure your family sits down together for at least one main meal, as this will promote healthy eating habits in your child. Make sure there are no distractions at the dinner table, such as cell phones or tablets, and do not eat in front of the TV. Distractions will reduce the child's focus on his food and will affect his appetite.

When should you see a doctor?

See your pediatrician if your child shows symptoms other than food refusal, such as:

• Decreased activity and lethargy.
• Irritability and frequent crying.
• Stomach ache.
• Weight loss.
• Fever.
• Signs of allergic reaction such as facial swelling, rash, or difficulty breathing.

To sum up,

A child's relationship with food can sometimes be complicated, as they may refuse certain foods or eat less than before. It is essential that we, as parents, strive to establish the foundations of healthy eating, healthy habits, and a healthy body image in front of our children. If you notice that your child has lost his appetite for food, and this decline continues for several days, see a pediatrician to make sure no health problem requires drug treatment. See a child mental health specialist if the cause is psychological. Don't worry; treatments are available and effective. With patience, your child will return to eating as before.