Unintentional weight loss in teens
It might seem that your child is eating normally, but she might be picking at her food at the table and not eating as many in-between snacks as she used to. Medical Problems Unexplained weight loss is a symptom present in a wide variety of medical problems. However, some scary health conditions can cause her to drop pounds. Worry about this if your teen is crying more frequently or just seems down all the time, wanting to spend time alone. Regaining Lost Pounds Sometimes treatment of a health problem can help your teen get back to a healthy weight. Physical Problems The teenage years are when many kids first get braces. Stomach troubles with weight loss might point to celiac disease, while excessive thirst might point to diabetes. As a parent, you might fear an eating disorder, which can strike both boys and girls, though prevalence is higher in girls. Related Articles Dramatic Weight Loss in Teens Can an Unhealthy Digestive System Cause Behavior Problems in Children. An unintentional weight loss in your teen could signify an underlying problem, rather than a reason to rejoice.
This helps ensure that your teen is getting the nutrients she needs for normal growth and weight maintenance. It can be a symptom of a medical condition and should not be ignored. Malabsorption conditions, such as celiac disease, are another possibility. This makes eating more difficult and painful, so the child eats less overall. If your teen begins withdrawing from social activities, seems sad or weepy, or exhibits a change in eating patterns, she might be depressed. Stick with a well-rounded meal plan that includes a variety of foods from each food group. Cancer, heart problems, thyroid disorders and pain from braces or dental work are other things that could be causing your teen to lose weight. Overeating in Teens Teens struggle with many issues during their years in high school, including self-image. If you suspect that there might be a medical problem for the weight loss, consider other symptoms your teen has, as these will help narrow down the problem. Emotional Problems Some teens respond to stress or depression with a change in appetite.
