Low BMI

    Helpful information for parents of children who have a low Body Mass Index

    Updated at February 22nd, 2024

    Disclaimer [ENGLISH]

    1650055438388-1650055438388.png

    DisclaimerThis material is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, nor does it replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. Reference to a specific commercial product or service does not imply endorsement or recommendation of that product or service by CPCMG.

     

    Many children who weigh less than others their age are healthy and do not need to try to gain weight. This is especially the case if they eat a generally balanced diet and have been tracking around the same height and weight percentile-for-age over time.

    They may go through puberty on a different schedule than some of their peers, and their bodies may grow and change at a different rate.  

    Most underweight teens catch up in weight as they finish puberty during their later teen years.

    Your child’s healthcare provider will help you understand if your child is experiencing poor growth or malnutrition related to insufficient caloric intake.

    Adding the following healthful, yet high calorie items to foods can be helpful for these children. Consider including some of these suggestions in smoothies, adding them to other foods, combining them together, or even eating them alone.

    Food  Calories
    • Instant breakfast powder (1 packet)
    • Infant cereal (for infants) (1 tablespoon)

    130

    • Whole milk (1 cup)
    • Powdered milk (1 tablespoon)
    • Evaporated milk (1 tablespoon)

    146  

    25

    20 

    Vegetable oils (1 tablespoon) 110 
    Avocado (1/2 of medium) 160 
    Cheese (1oz) 100
    Full-fat yogurt, plain (6oz container) 100
    Granola (1/4 cup)   140 
    Dried fruit (1/4 cup) 80 
    Peanut butter (1 tablespoon) 95
    Hummus (1 tablespoon) 25 
    Nuts and seeds (ground for younger kids to avoid choking hazard) (1/4 cup)  200 

    Specialized drinks such as Pediasure (8 oz)

    or Boost Kids Essentials (8 oz) 

    240

    360 


    This publication was adapted from information within Nemours KidsHealth articles and kidshealth.org

    https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/childs-weight.html?ref=search Reviewed by:  NM M.D., AR D.O.  | 12/2023