Loss Of Appetite In Children: Warning Signs, Causes And Remedies

In children, loss of appetite is a common concern that bothers most parents in their child’s developing years. Since appetite is an important aspect of a child’s well-being, parents feel stressed when their child shows a persistent lack of interest in food or refuses to eat, fearing it may affect their growth and overall health. In this blog, we intend to highlight the causes of poor appetite, when to worry, and what remedies to follow to deal with the challenges, so parents can remain informed about how to fill the gaps in the child’s daily nutritional needs.

Warning Signs of Poor Appetite To Look For

Parents may feel overwhelmed when seeing their little ones not enjoying their meals, or even trying to skip one or two meals quite frequently. Sometimes, they may not show even a desire to eat, leading to nutritional deficiencies.  Some of the warning signs that parents need to notice are as follows:

1. The child persistently refuses to eat and intends to skip meals

2. The child is not gaining weight as per the required standards

3. If the child complains about stomach pain, it shouldn’t be ignored

4. The child may appear tired and lethargic, not showing interest in play and routine activities

5. Consistently refuses to consume certain types of food that may lead to nutritional gaps

6. Irritable mood during mealtimes

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10 Causes of Loss of Appetite in Children

Parents need to understand the underlying causes of appetite loss so that appropriate remedies are made possible. 

1. Slow growth - Changes in growth rates can cause loss of appetite. In the first year of life, children grow faster than in any other developmental phase. However, as they grow older, growth seems to stabilize a bit unless growth spurts strike in. During this phase of slow growth, your child may not require large meal portions to satisfy their nutritional requirements. Thus, their appetite may slow down. They may eat less just because their growth has slowed down naturally. 

2. Being sick - During infections, children tend to eat less and often show a disinterest in certain food types. Loss of appetite due to viral infections, allergies, or chronic illnesses is common. Once the infections subside, your child may start eating as per their normal schedule. Certain bodily conditions, such as an upset stomach, a sore throat, or fever, cause bodily changes, and your child may lose their usual interest in having even the best-liked foods.

3. Intestinal worms - This is one of the main reasons for loss of appetite in children. When worm infestation occurs, children experience stomach pain, nausea, and gastrointestinal reflux. This causes severe discomfort in the stomach, and the child refuses food intake so that the feeling of fullness can be subsided.  

4. Inconsistent meal portions - Sometimes, mothers feed their children large meals in one go. This makes them less hungry when next time food is offered to them next time, leading to pushing away their plates, or not feeling an urge to eat. This is normal and shouldn’t be considered a loss of appetite. However, if the stomach fullness is quite frequent and the child refuses to eat meals even if they were offered small portions previously, then it needs to be treated. 

5. Anemia - Sometimes, a decline in a child’s appetite can be caused by anemia. Your child’s hemoglobin levels need to be checked to rule out this cause. When anemia strikes, children feel tired and lethargic. They may not want to eat food at all and show fussiness, and throw tantrums. 

6. Poor bowel movement - If your child’s bowel movement is irregular, it may cause constipation and a decreased desire to eat food, even if it is their favourite food item. 

7. Medicines- Children may lose their appetite if they are on antibiotics or any other prescribed drugs for an illness. You may find them having small portions, and showing a disinterest in a majority of the food items. This is due to a loss of taste in the mouth due to the medicine. 

8. Dental problems - During teething, infants may either eat small portions or not eat at all. The swollen gums cause discomfort, and the child refuses to eat. For older children, when a tooth falls out, they may find it difficult to eat, leading to a poor appetite.

9. Emotional factors - Children are sensitive beings; they may respond with a lot of emotional issues during meal times, if the parent tries to feed them forcibly. At times, changes in their routine, such as starting school, shifting to a new house, or family fights, can make them feel emotional, impacting their regular food habits. 

10. Food intolerances - Some children have issues with certain food items, such as soybeans, milk products. They may resist eating such items because they cause stomach aches, bloating, and nausea after eating. Over time, the child may completely resist eating such items, showing intense signs of refusal and avoidance. 

How Can Parents Help Children Improve Their Appetite?

As parents, you must create a positive and fun-filled eating experience for your child. Building healthy eating habits doesn't have to be a struggle. With a little creativity and consistency, you can tackle a poor appetite without fuss. Here are some simple, effective tips to encourage better eating habits at home:

1. Most children love snacks that are eye-catching and tasty, yet healthy and loaded with nutrition. Try to offer them small snacks like fruits, nuts, and protein shakes instead of offering them a plate full of choices that are not appealing. When children get what they like, they’ll feel the urge to eat; thus, their weight gain can be consistently maintained.

2. Avoid giving them snacks just before meal times; If they’re already full, they may not eat at all. Always keep a time gap between meals and snacking. 

3. If a child is not having milk directly, try giving them curd, buttermilk, so that they still get adequate calcium in their body.

4. When children show signs of reduced appetite, try giving them small portions several times a day instead of a large meal. 

5. For picky eaters, always try to give them food that they like. When children enjoy their platter visually, it’s obvious that they’ll show interest in eating.

6. Always make sure that whatever you’re offering them to eat is loaded with calories so that they can gain weight consistently.

7. If you have an older child, say 7 years and above, you can also tell them to prepare their snacks. Let them wash the veggies, or stir the batter, or simply put a spread onto a toast. In this way, children feel good about their contributions inside the kitchen. 

8. Always encourage active play time, preferably outdoors every day. Physical activity improves appetite. Your child will feel hungry and will show an eagerness to eat after an active play session. 

9. Zinc supplements are known to boost appetite. 

10. Avoid scolding your child during mealtimes, even if they are being messy or disobedient. Try to resolve their problems patiently and keep your ‘cool’ at all costs. 

11. If your child is not hungry, leave them for the time being and offer them again after some time. Never force-feed them; otherwise, they’ll be scared, and they may start avoiding meal times altogether.

Sometimes a child who refuses to eat or tends to move away from food plates can be considered a picky eater. However, if this trend is persistent and the child is not growing as they should, appetite loss and stomach issues can be blamed. If your child’s appetite doesn’t improve after a lot of trying from your end, consider consulting a nutritionist or a pediatrician for further advice.

FAQs

1. Is a loss of appetite common in children?

Yes, loss of appetite is a common occurrence in a child’s life, especially in small children. Sometimes, not being hungry just when the food is offered can be a reason. Sometimes, picky eaters make a lot of fuss when they are made to eat foods that they dislike. Thus, appetite loss can also occur as a natural response; instead of this being a serious medical concern.

2. At what age does a child’s appetite seem to become less?

It’s natural for 2 to 7-year-olds to show signs of decreased appetite because weight gain is more or less consistent during this time. Moreover, children develop food preferences and can become increasingly picky at this time, leading to a low appetite.