Child Not Eating and Losing Weight — What to Do

Normal Toddler Appetite (Most Common)

Growth slows dramatically after age 1 — a toddler needs far fewer extra calories than a growing infant. The appetite decreases accordingly. This is physiologically normal, not a problem, and does not need treatment.

Iron Deficiency

Iron deficiency anaemia reduces appetite — because iron is needed for appetite signalling. Paradoxically, the children most likely to have iron deficiency (those drinking too much milk) are also picky eaters.

Feeding Aversion and Sensory Issues

Negative feeding experiences (force-feeding, reflux, choking) create conditioned food anxiety. Sensory processing differences in children with autism cause extreme texture and taste selectivity.

Coeliac Disease or Food Allergy

Coeliac disease causes weight loss, abdominal bloating, and poor appetite — particularly when gluten is introduced. Food allergies can cause aversion to specific foods or general poor appetite.

Chronic Medical Condition

Heart disease, kidney disease, chronic lung disease, inflammatory bowel disease — any chronic condition increases energy requirements while typically reducing appetite. Unexplained weight loss always warrants investigation.