When should a child’s weight or changing growth curve be assessed?
Weight should be interpreted alongside length or height, age and previous growth. One percentile does not diagnose undernutrition or obesity. Persistent downward change, weight loss or gain out of proportion to height warrants assessment; thresholds depend on age, birthweight and context.
Details
What will the clinician assess?
They check measurement accuracy, plot weight and height on an appropriate chart, and review feeding, development and symptoms. A naturally small child may grow steadily, while another child’s changing trajectory needs investigation.
Newborns need a separate approach
Some early weight loss is expected, but excessive loss or delayed regain needs feeding support and assessment. Do not wait for a particular percentile when an infant feeds poorly, urinates less or is unusually sleepy.
Follow-up rather than an improvised diet
Feeding observation, dietary adjustments and monitoring may be sufficient; tests are guided by findings. Do not impose a weight-loss diet or concentrate formula. Agree on follow-up measurements rather than unnecessary daily weighing.
Related reading: How can I tell whether my picky child is eating enough?.