Underweight teen

Posted by cbgirl123 @cbgirl123, Apr 16, 2022

I have a 13 year old boy who is very active in sports. He was premature at birth (33 weeks) but had no issues with milestones or development. He has always been a picky eater but has improved over the last two years. He eats healthy foods but just not enough. He is suddenly one of the smaller boys in his grade in height and weight. I’m wondering if protein powders or supplements would help?

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Hello @cbgirl123 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I completely understand this as I, too, have a teen boy. From the moment they start puberty, it was our experience that putting on weight becomes extremely difficult. In my son's case, he was growing so quickly and extremely active so putting on weight was next to impossible. He's slowed down growing slightly and is finally now able to put on a little weight. At 13 years old, he is just coming into the beginning stages of puberty I am guessing so this might be a challenge until he is through his growth spurt.

Some things we found to be helpful is to add in a protein shake each morning and we also switched from 2% to whole milk. It actually tastes creamier and better for protein shakes anyway! Bonus! Additionally, lots of protein and carbs is needed to fuel these young athletes! My son is good at protein but I had to push more carbs on occasion too.

There are tons of protein powder options and finding one he likes may be your biggest challenge. We rotate between vanilla and chocolate and add in frozen bananas and peanut butter with the chocolate powder and it tastes like a Reece's PB Cup!

Is this a concern for him as well as you?

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@amandajro

Hello @cbgirl123 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I completely understand this as I, too, have a teen boy. From the moment they start puberty, it was our experience that putting on weight becomes extremely difficult. In my son's case, he was growing so quickly and extremely active so putting on weight was next to impossible. He's slowed down growing slightly and is finally now able to put on a little weight. At 13 years old, he is just coming into the beginning stages of puberty I am guessing so this might be a challenge until he is through his growth spurt.

Some things we found to be helpful is to add in a protein shake each morning and we also switched from 2% to whole milk. It actually tastes creamier and better for protein shakes anyway! Bonus! Additionally, lots of protein and carbs is needed to fuel these young athletes! My son is good at protein but I had to push more carbs on occasion too.

There are tons of protein powder options and finding one he likes may be your biggest challenge. We rotate between vanilla and chocolate and add in frozen bananas and peanut butter with the chocolate powder and it tastes like a Reece's PB Cup!

Is this a concern for him as well as you?

Jump to this post

Thank you for sharing your story! Yes, he is concerned as well. We just don’t want him to miss out on an important time of growth. I appreciate knowing someone else has had the same struggle. We are currently trying out protein powders and/or protein bars as options to help maintain a healthy weight and to allow him to grow at an appropriate rate. Thank you again for the information!

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Hello @cbgirl123

I can also understand your concern. It sounds as if you are doing as much as possible to help your son with his weight. You are to be congratulated on reaching out on his behalf and trying to find some additional help.

Even though you haven't mentioned, it I'm assuming you have probably already talked with his physician about this issue and blood tests, etc. have been done. If not, you might consider taking a look at this medically. Perhaps a referral to a pediatric endocrinologist would be helpful it he continues to struggle with the weight issue.

How is your son feeling, @cbgirl123? Does he have excessive fatigue, etc., especially after exercise?

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@cbgirl123 My 3 children were very active in sports all through elementary and high school- they were swimmers and had long daily practices. They were all lean and picky eaters.
In high school my oldest daughter started having problem not wanting to eat after practice- she didn’t feel well, no appetite etc. She wouldn’t listen to any advice either- stubborn. As a result she did not perform as well in the pool and couldn’t understand why- refusing to listen.
Giving protein drinks is a good idea/ there are quite a few supplements nowadays.
I agree with Teresa that you should ask his doctor about his nutrition state and growth. At age 13 there is a great variability in growth among boys. Some may be far into puberty, while others are just beginning. That’s why one sees a lot of boys looking like young men and others still like boys. Everyone has a different growth pattern. The boys who look more mature may not grow much more- however the younger looking boys, like your son, will grow several inches still and probably will end up taller than most.
As long as you know that he is declared healthy by your doctor, he has years of growing still.

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@hopeful33250

Hello @cbgirl123

I can also understand your concern. It sounds as if you are doing as much as possible to help your son with his weight. You are to be congratulated on reaching out on his behalf and trying to find some additional help.

Even though you haven't mentioned, it I'm assuming you have probably already talked with his physician about this issue and blood tests, etc. have been done. If not, you might consider taking a look at this medically. Perhaps a referral to a pediatric endocrinologist would be helpful it he continues to struggle with the weight issue.

How is your son feeling, @cbgirl123? Does he have excessive fatigue, etc., especially after exercise?

Jump to this post

Thanks for your kind words. Yes, we’ve had him to the paediatrician and she is monitoring his height and weight. I’m just worried as a mom about his growth so this forum has been great to have input from others:)

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@astaingegerdm

@cbgirl123 My 3 children were very active in sports all through elementary and high school- they were swimmers and had long daily practices. They were all lean and picky eaters.
In high school my oldest daughter started having problem not wanting to eat after practice- she didn’t feel well, no appetite etc. She wouldn’t listen to any advice either- stubborn. As a result she did not perform as well in the pool and couldn’t understand why- refusing to listen.
Giving protein drinks is a good idea/ there are quite a few supplements nowadays.
I agree with Teresa that you should ask his doctor about his nutrition state and growth. At age 13 there is a great variability in growth among boys. Some may be far into puberty, while others are just beginning. That’s why one sees a lot of boys looking like young men and others still like boys. Everyone has a different growth pattern. The boys who look more mature may not grow much more- however the younger looking boys, like your son, will grow several inches still and probably will end up taller than most.
As long as you know that he is declared healthy by your doctor, he has years of growing still.

Jump to this post

Thanks for sharing your daughter’s story! Mine is also stubborn and although he eats good food he just doesn’t eat enough for the amount of activities he takes part in. His friends are growing quicker than he is so that has been motivation for him. As I share these stories with him, I hope it will help him to continue to eat more and focus on health and well being. Thanks again for sharing, I appreciate it:)

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