Unexplained Weight Gain in Children

Weight gain in children, as in adults, is usually due to eating more or exercising less.

It can be caused by an illness or medication, though this is not common.

If your child has gained weight and you don't know why, you should call your doctor. This decision guide doesn't take the place of and shouldn't delay that call, but it will give you an idea of the questions your doctor may ask and the tests that he or she may order.

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Date Last Modified: 12/9/2008 Source: from Harvard Health Decision Guides, Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.

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