Paediatric Poor Weight Gain

If your child is not gaining weight as expected, it can be a source of worry and uncertainty. At Grosvenor Gardens Healthcare, our private paediatricians provide expert evaluation, personalised nutritional advice, and comprehensive care to help identify the causes and improve your child’s growth. We ensure you receive clear, compassionate guidance every step of the way, so you can make informed decisions about your child’s health.

Why Choose Grosvenor Gardens Healthcare for Paediatric Poor Weight Gain?

• Expert Paediatric Team: Our specialists are experienced in diagnosing and managing poor weight gain in children, ensuring accurate assessments and evidence-based treatments.
• Individualised Approach: We tailor our evaluations and management plans to your child’s specific needs, considering their overall health, dietary habits, and developmental progress.
• Advanced Diagnostic Tools: Utilizing growth charts, laboratory tests, and comprehensive physical examinations, we pinpoint potential underlying causes quickly and effectively.
• Holistic Support: We offer guidance on nutrition, feeding strategies, and lifestyle adjustments to promote healthy growth.
• Accessible Care: Enjoy fast, private appointments at our Dulwich or Belgravia clinics, with minimal waiting times and a friendly, supportive environment.

Understanding Paediatric Poor Weight Gain

Poor weight gain in children is characterised by growth that falls below the expected range on standard growth charts. It can be due to a variety of factors including inadequate caloric intake, feeding difficulties, or underlying medical conditions.

Key Aspects of Poor Weight Gain:

• Measurement & Growth Monitoring:
• We assess weight, height, and head circumference, comparing these to UK growth standards.
• Regular monitoring helps detect subtle deviations early.
• Potential Causes:
• Inadequate Nutritional Intake: Issues with appetite, food allergies, or picky eating.
• Underlying Medical Conditions: Gastrointestinal disorders, malabsorption, metabolic or endocrine issues.
• Feeding Difficulties: Problems with swallowing or oral motor function, particularly in younger children.
• Environmental & Psychosocial Factors: Stress or behavioural challenges affecting eating patterns.

What to Expect from Our Paediatric Evaluation

1. Initial Consultation & Detailed History
• We begin by discussing your child’s growth patterns, dietary habits, feeding challenges, and family history.
• A comprehensive review helps us understand the context of your concerns.
2. Thorough Physical Examination
• Our paediatricians perform a detailed examination, including measurements of weight, height, and head circumference.
• We assess overall health, checking for signs of infection, organ dysfunction, or other physical indicators that might explain poor weight gain.
3. Diagnostic Tests & Investigations
• Laboratory Tests: Blood tests to evaluate nutritional status, thyroid function, and markers of infection or inflammation.
• Stool Tests: To assess for malabsorption or gastrointestinal infections if indicated.
• Referral for Specialist Input: In some cases, we may refer you to a gastroenterologist or a dietician for further evaluation.
4. Feedback & Follow-Up
• We provide clear, prompt results and discuss the findings with you.
• A tailored care plan is developed, outlining any necessary interventions or dietary modifications.

Treatment & Support Pathways

Once the underlying cause is identified, we work with you to design a comprehensive management plan:

• Nutritional Support & Dietary Adjustments
• Advice on balanced, calorie-rich meals and the inclusion of high-protein, nutrient-dense foods.
• Guidance on feeding techniques, especially for younger children or those with oral motor difficulties.
• Supplementation
• When necessary, we recommend vitamins or supplements (such as iron, zinc, or vitamin D) to address deficiencies.
• Medical Management
• For underlying conditions like gastrointestinal disorders or endocrine issues, we coordinate treatment with specialists.
• Ongoing Monitoring & Follow-Up
• Regular review appointments to track growth progress and adjust the care plan as your child develops.
• Parental Support & Education
• We empower you with practical tips and resources to help manage your child’s nutrition and feeding habits effectively at home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When should I be concerned about my child’s weight gain?

• If your child consistently falls below the expected growth percentiles on UK growth charts, or if you notice a decline in their usual weight, it’s important to seek expert advice.

2. Can poor weight gain affect my child’s development?

• Yes, inadequate weight gain can impact physical growth and overall development, which is why early evaluation and intervention are crucial.

3. What tests will be performed?

• We may conduct blood tests to check for nutritional deficiencies or hormonal imbalances and stool tests if malabsorption is suspected. A full physical examination is also essential.

4. How can I support my child’s growth at home?

• Encourage a balanced diet with regular meals and snacks, maintain a calm mealtime environment, and follow any dietary recommendations provided by our team.

Book Your Paediatric Consultation

If you’re worried about your child’s poor weight gain, Grosvenor Gardens Healthcare is here to provide expert, compassionate care. Our private paediatricians offer comprehensive evaluations, personalised nutritional guidance, and ongoing support to help your child achieve healthy growth.

Contact us today to schedule a priority appointment at our Dulwich or Belgravia clinic. Let our dedicated team help you secure the best start for your child’s development.

Other Services we offer: 

Private Gynaecologists

Private GP

Private Paediatrician

Private Obstetrician & Maternity Hospital

Private Colposcopy