10 year old weighing only 66 lbs at 4'9". Shouldn't I panick??

Question

My son is 10 years old and weighs only 66lbs. I am very concerned. He has never eaten well, even since he was a baby. I have tried everything imaginable to get him to eat, so please don't bash me on this. I give him what I can (that he likes) but those things are very limited. If I can get him to try something new (which is rare), he will gag and somethimes vomit. He does eat a few healthy things like yogurt and milk, and american cheese but that is about it. I have made an appt. with a therapist and have an appt. for a complete physical scheduled. Any other thoughts or comments on this are appreciated. I am very worried about my boy. Thank you.

Answer 1

well the kids is small for his age as far as weight...but his BMI is 14 and the healthy weight for his age and height is 66 to 90 lbs....most people don't reach 100 pounds till they are 5 feet tall anyway....

Answer 2

When I was 10 I only weighed like 60 some pounds, and was at about that height and

I was just fine. I ate normal though.

Right now I am 5'3" and 91 lbs.

I would say just keep doing what you are doing and since you have an appt. scheduled, not to worry any more.

Good Luck.

Answer 3

He's definitely underweight.

Answer 4

Is he otherwise healthy?  If so, not to worry.

My 12 year old is barely sixty-five pounds.

Answer 5

well i think it all depends on the child && the gentic info along with the medicle history...not unless something is wrong with him!!!

but i am 17 years old & 5'2 and i only way 115...so yea

Answer 6

Well, he's getting protein and dairy (vitamin D and calcium).  He's also getting natural sugars from the fruits, and fats.  The only thing he's probably lacking is more of a variety or vitamins (like from green vegetables i.e. iron) and fiber.  But honestly, unless he simply isn't eating enough of these foods I don't really see why it should be affecting his growth that badly.  He's on the lower range for his weight, but he's not technically underweight.  I would continue on with the appointments though, and see where they go.  They should quiet your fears and give you a true representation of his health and tell you if there's something else you should be doing.

Answer 7

He is fine. My nephew is 11 and weighs 63 LBS as long as he's healthy nothin' is wrong with your baby

Answer 8

WOW nothing too healthy in his diet at all, is there? I'm glad to see that he eats some fruits, but where is the meat in this whole equation? He needs to be getting protein from somewhere~~meat, fish, nuts, or eggs. Other than that, keep encouraging him to try new things. Any idea WHY he gags when you get him to try something new? Does he expect it to taste bad? I'm glad to see that you're taking him in for an exam because I honestly don't know of any kids at that age that are so skinny. I don't remember kids from my childhood that were so skinny either. Hopefully your docs can pin point why he isn't eating as he should. It does not sound right or healthy.

Good luck to you and best wishes!

Something else I just thought of~~make sure that he takes a daily vitamin, even Flintstones & see if you can't get him to drink Pediasure.

I really find all these "he's fine~~don't worry" answers to be ridiculous! First of all, you're his mom~~you're going to worry! Second of all, if people would read your question, they would see that his diet is NOT the best and that he is a picky eater.

Answer 9

Honestly, when I was ten, I was 4'6' and 60 pounds. True, I'm  a girl, and my family is thin, but it's not a huge deal. Once he reaches puberty, he will fill out!

However, if there is something wrong, a doctor will catch it. Good for you for making an appt!

Answer 10

The growth chart I have says 66 lbs falls between the 25th and 50th percentiles, so perfectly normal (50th percentile for a 10 year old is 70).  For height, he's between the 50th and 75th percentiles, with average being 4'6".

You shouldn't panic about his height/weight, but you really need to make a renewed effort to get him to eat some more, healthier foods!  Mix what he will eat with the new stuff, like cover broccoli in cheese sauce, or at least buy veggie hot dogs.

Answer 11

He if fine weight wise. No need for a therapist-- the physical is a good idea-- make sure that he is tested for allergies, - the gagging-

Answer 12

Its ok my 11 yr old friend is like 63 pounds

Answer 13

He has a bmi of 14.3 which is underweight.  You should get him eating healthier, more natural foods.  He will most likely eat it if he makes it himself.  Look for recipes online and ask him to choose one to make.  Even though he is underweight, he cannot continue eating those foods.  Alot of them have no nutritional value and they could very eventually lead to cancer.  

Good Luck :)!