My four year old son has lost a lot of weight and is not eating well. He is otherwise very active and playful. Should I take him to the doctor?

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I'm a believer of asking your doctor anything - whether I think it's a small or big issue. Weight loss is certainly cause for concern so I wouldn't hesitate to ask my doctor about it. But in the meantime, you can see for yourself if your son's weight is still within the acceptable range. I recommend checking the WHO child growth standards chart. Here's a link to the chart for boys his age range: http://www.who.int/childgrowth/standards/chts_wfa_boys_p/en/ Perhaps to address the weight loss and eating, the food he's consuming should be more nutrient-rich. He can eat small amounts of food, granted that each amount is filled with nutrients. Offer him fruits over sweets, vegetables, lean meats, dairy products, whole grains, nuts. Here's a good guide on what and how much your child should be consuming regularly, according to the HPB: http://www.hpb.gov.sg/HOPPortal/health-article/6086

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If he is active and playful as you say, there's is nothing to worry at all. Some kids grow leaner and taller, perhaps your child is one of them. As a mother of a four year old I have understood that kids have their own phases in which sometimes they do not eat well, feel way more hungrier than usual and are cranky most of the times. However, discuss it with your doctor the next time you visit him.

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if you think your child has lost a lot of weight then you should definitely check with the doc. even if he is active and playful, the doctor will be able to check why the weight loss is happening and if it is a cause for concern. in the meanwhile, try giving your child healthy food in different visually appealing ways.

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thanks