Causes of underweight in children

Some common causes include:

• Poor nutrition: Children who do not eat a balanced and nutritious diet may be at risk for being underweight. This can happen if the child does not eat enough food, or if the food they do eat is not nutrient-dense.

• Illness or medical conditions: Certain illnesses and medical conditions can cause children to lose weight or have difficulty gaining weight. Examples of such conditions include chronic infections, digestive disorders, and chronic diseases such as cancer or kidney disease.