#asktheexpert hi doc . My son is 3.5 year old n his weight is 16.5 kg .. can u tell dat my son is under weight or he is proper ... and can u suggest me how shud I increased his weight ... he is super active n can't sit in one plce n play .. so can u suggest me how shud I gain his weight. ... Thanks

Question

#asktheexpert hi doc . My son is 3.5 year old n his weight is 16.5 kg .. can u tell dat my son is under weight or he is proper ...  and can u suggest me how shud I increased his weight ... he is super active  n can't sit in one plce n play .. so can u suggest me how shud I gain his weight. ... Thanks

Accepted Answer

At 3.5 years old and weighing 16.5 kg, your son's weight seems to be on the higher side for his age based on the typical growth charts. However, each child develops differently, and the ideal weight can vary depending on their height, activity level, and genetic factors.

Weight Reference for a 3.5-Year-Old:

For a 3-year-old (the age range closest to your son's), the average weight is typically between 12 kg to 16 kg. However, children who are more active may have a slightly lower weight, as their body is burning more calories through movement.

Given that your son is super active, it's not uncommon for him to have a leaner body type with a weight that may not appear heavy but still falls within a healthy range.

Ways to Support Healthy Weight Gain:

Even though he might be of healthy weight, if you want to ensure he's getting adequate nutrition, here are some tips:

1. Nutrient-Dense Foods:

Offer healthy fats that can help him gain weight in a healthy way:

Avocados, nuts, and nut butters (peanut or almond butter).

Full-fat dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, and whole milk (if tolerated).

Olive oil or coconut oil in his meals.

Include whole grains like oatmeal, quinoa, or brown rice for sustained energy.

Protein-rich foods like eggs, beans, chicken, fish, and tofu.

2. Increase Caloric Intake:

Prepare meals that are calorie-dense without increasing portion size too much, such as adding cheese, oils, and butter to his meals.

Offer healthy snacks in between meals like yogurt with fruit, cheese cubes, or trail mix (with nuts, dried fruit, and seeds).

3. Healthy Smoothies:

You can blend together fruits, yogurt, and a spoon of peanut butter or coconut oil to make high-calorie smoothies. These are not only healthy but can also be a fun way for him to consume more nutrients.

4. Regular Meals and Snacks:

Ensure he has three balanced meals and 2-3 healthy snacks a day. Make sure the snacks include protein, healthy fats, and some carbs.

5. Limit Empty Calories:

While it’s tempting to offer junk food to increase calories, try to avoid sugary or highly processed foods as they don’t provide much nutrition.

6. Encourage Active Play:

Keep encouraging his physical activity! Physical play is essential for overall health and will help him develop strong muscles. But it's important that his calorie intake keeps up with his energy output.

7. Monitor Growth:

Keep track of his growth with your pediatrician to ensure he is growing steadily, even if his weight may fluctuate. The pediatrician can also check if he is on the right growth curve.

If you have concerns about his growth or weight, it’s always a good idea to consult his pediatrician to rule out any underlying issues. However, based on the details you’ve provided, his weight is likely within a healthy range for his age.