Their genetic makeup may make some people more susceptible to obesity. However, these are only estimates - individuals may start puberty earlier or later. Puberty onsetĭuring puberty, adolescents experience growth spurts and other physical changes that increase their weight.Īccording to Stanford Children’s Health, males typically enter puberty between the ages of 9.5 and 14, and females do so between the ages of 8 and 13. For example, the shorter of the two children may have overweight, while the taller may have a weight in the healthy range. Two children who weigh the same but are 6 inches apart in height will have different BMIs. Below are several to keep in mind when determining whether a young adolescent has a healthy weight: HeightĪ person who is shorter generally weighs less than someone taller, and this is why BMI calculators take height into account. breathing difficulties, such as asthma or sleep apneaĪs the CDC note, children with obesity are also more likely to develop severe obesity and associated risk factors as adults.Ī range of things can influence the weight of a 12-year-old.impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, or type 2 diabetes.Financial difficulties: These can make it difficult for parents and caregivers to provide sufficient food.Ĭhildren and young adolescents with overweight or obesity may have an increased risk of:.Stress: Those relating to home life or school, for example, can affect a child’s appetite.Gastroesophageal reflux: This digestive condition can lead to frequent vomiting.Food allergies or intolerances: These can limit meal options.Cystic fibrosis: This inherited condition can prevent the absorption of calories.Metabolic disorders: These can interfere with the body’s ability to convert food into energy.

Down syndrome: This chromosomal condition can lead to delayed development of certain muscles.Premature birth: This can lead to the underdevelopment of certain muscles.The following are some potential causes of slow weight gain in children: The expression usually applies to babies and toddlers, though older children can also have difficulty gaining or maintaining weight. Complications of low weightĭoctors may use the expression “failure to thrive” when describing a child with poor weight gain or sudden weight loss. When their weight falls significantly above or below the average, a young adolescent may have a risk of health complications. there has been a drastic change in their weight.their weight falls beyond the upper or lower percentiles on the CDC’s growth chart.their weight falls within the 3rd percentile.A doctor may be concerned about the weight and health of a young adolescent if:

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