Low weight for a 6 year old

I am not sure if I need to worry or not. My DS just turned 6yo. He has always been on the lowest percentile of weight and average on height. Last night he was playing with the scale in our bedroom and I was shocked that he was 33 lbs. About 6 months ago he was 39 lbs.

I should say he is very active. His teachers say he is a very fast runner. He does ice skating lessons once a week and will be doing t-ball and lacrosse in the Spring. He is very athletic for his age and loves playing sports, nothing that we push on him. He always jokes that I should sign him up for everything.

He isn't super picky about food. He is a grazer. He will eat little quantities throughout the day. His eating habits are the same as when he was an infant. If I don't remind him, he doesn't even ask for food. I don't do high fat foods, just what you are supposed to eat -veggies, fruit, non-processed, dairy. Treats are ice-cream and cookies for dessert. Even then, more than 2 scoops are too much for him. He is a smart kid and other than his weight developing normally.

Should I be worried? I have a ped appointment next Monday but wanted some opinions.

Message edited 4/7/2014 10:59:54 AM.

Low weight for a 6 year old

Is your scale accurate? I can't imagine that he lost 6 lbs in 6 months unless he had a serious illness. Do his clothes fit looser than before?

As for the weight itself, 39 lbs is ok for that age. My son is going to be 6 in Sept. and probably weighs a little over 40lbs. I would wait and see what the scale at the ped says and go from there.

Re: Low weight for a 6 year old

I would def. check and make sure your scale is accurate. If it is, I would just bring him in and discuss it with your pediatrician. I would worry about the 6 lb weight loss. My sons are super active, but still gain weight.

Hope its as simple as your scale being off!

Re: Low weight for a 6 year old

I wouldn't trust that scale. Have you noticed him getting thinner? Clothes looser? How does he look? Pale normal coloring? If he is as active s he is, I wouldnt worry too much. I would ask for blood work to be done. Make sure they do CBC and thyroid also. Could be a thyroid issue?

Re: Low weight for a 6 year old

I checked on my weight watchers scale. It was off by 1/2 a pound. He has grown almost 4 inches and we have always had to used pants that have the inner drawstring. He is not thinner than usual. His face is a bit leaner but I was thinking that it's him just growing older. It's weird to say but he has abs.....the kid does not have an ounce of fat on him.

Re: Low weight for a 6 year old

Re: Low weight for a 6 year old

my son will be 6 in june and is only 36 lbs. He's just very thin and active. My ped has never been concerned. I was very much the same as a kid.

ETA: he could still be in 4T clothes if i let him. I make him wear 5T clothes, even though the pants are always so big because he needs the length.

Message edited 4/7/2014 1:23:06 PM.

Re: Low weight for a 6 year old

My 4 year old just had his check up and is 30.3lbs. He's only in the 5% for weight. That said, he's always been small. He too is a grazer and could go all day without eating if I let him. I feed him healthy foods, but I try to put butter on all of his veggies. Full fat milk and cheese too. As long as your Dr isn't concerned then I wouldn't worry too much.