Faltering growth is when a child is not gaining weight or growing as expected for their age and gender¹.

Faltering growth may be related to a medical cause including gastrointestinal disorders such as coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease or cystic fibrosis, or non-medical causes like behavioural or environmental factors¹.

3 key reasons for faltering growth¹:

1) Increased nutritional needs e.g. due to a medical condition.

2) Increased nutritional losses e.g. vomiting or diarrhoea.

3) Reduced food intake e.g. loss of appetite, feeding issues.

In Australia, diagnosis is typically made by your GP or paediatrician using World Health Organization (WHO) or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-based growth charts.

Some children fall below the average weight range without an underlying medical condition. Children who are naturally thin or picky eaters may still be developing normally.² Your doctor can monitor this over time and may recommend keeping a food diary to assess intake.

Colds, flu, and stomach bugs can affect appetite and food tolerance—leading to short-term nutritional gaps. Persistent or recurring illness, however, may interfere with growth.

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and Appetite

Some medications used to treat ADHD can suppress appetite and lead to weight loss². To help support growth and nutritional intake, it is beneficial to provide extra nutrition when appetite is greatest, such as in the mornings before medication takes effect or later at night when it starts to wear off.

For more practical tips read our ADHD Fact sheet

Coeliac disease is a chronic autoimmune condition triggered by gluten. It damages the small intestine and interferes with nutrient absorption. Strict avoidance of gluten is essential. Nutritional support, including child-specific oral nutritional supplements, may be helpful as the gut heals.

• Energy-dense nutrition with high-quality protein, essential fatty acids, and 28 vitamins and minerals.
• Support for catch-up growth in children who are underweight or behind on growth charts.
  
• A convenient option that fits easily into meals or snacks.
  

1. Track your child’s growth using WHO or CDC growth charts (commonly used by Australian GPs and child health nurses).
   
   
2. Speak with your GP or paediatrician if you notice slowed growth, low appetite, or signs of nutrient deficiency.
   
   
3. Follow the Australian Dietary Guidelines, offering a variety of vegetables, fruits, grains, protein foods, and dairy or alternatives.⁴
4. Ask about PediaSure if your child’s intake is low or restricted due to medical conditions.
   

References

1. Meyer R et al. Ann Nutr Metab. 2024;80(Suppl. 1):18–28

2. Morrison G, et al. ADDitude. 2024: https://www.additudemag.com/adderall-appetite-and-your-child-managing-side-effects/

3. WebMD. 2024: https://www.webmd.com/asthma/asthma-diet-what-you-should-know

4. . National Health and Medical Research Council, Australian Dietary Guidelines, 2013.