Effects of dieting in kids
Short-term malnutrition can sometimes be reversed, but some effects of a poor diet in children can be permanent. Poor Growth Kids who are chronically malnourished can become underweight, have decreased muscle mass and even experience a delayed growth rate. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute suggests that kids ages 2 to 3 consume 1,000 to 1,400 calories daily, and children ages 4 to 8 get 1,200 to 2,000 calories per day, depending on gender and activity level. MedlinePlus reports that children who consume too little dietary protein in the longterm may never reach their full growth potential -- meaning they could end up with a shorter stature in adulthood. In many cases, malnourished children with fatigue who start getting proper nutrition experience boosts in energy levels.
Keep in mind that proper nourishment is more than just meeting daily caloric needs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that obese kids are more likely to have pre-diabetes, risk factors for heart disease, joint and bone problems, difficulty sleeping, poor self-esteem and social problems at school. To make sure your child is growing and developing at an appropriate pace, see a pediatrician who can track growth on a pediatric growth chart.
