Question
Why do children experience weight loss and malnutrition?
Answer
Children who are underweight or thin should be excluded for congenital genetic metabolic diseases or other chronic conditions, such as hepatitis and kidney disease. If there is no special medical history, weight loss, even significant weight loss, we usually need to consider the following reasons: an unbalanced diet in daily life, partial eating, anorexia, including children with low immunity who are prone to recurrent pneumonia, enteritis, and other infectious diseases, which can significantly affect appetite. Due to severe energy deficiency, they become thin and lose subcutaneous fat. The skin loses elasticity, hair becomes dry easily, the body becomes weak, and the child feels tired and depressed. It is important to actively investigate for any underlying diseases, and strengthening nutritional supplementation is crucial. A well-balanced and comprehensive diet, including an increase in protein foods, should be emphasized.