As the parent of a pre-teen or teenager, you might notice that your child’s weight fluctuates frequently. You might wonder if this is normal or worry that something is wrong. In most cases, weight fluctuation is completely normal during childhood and can be attributed to growth spurts or puberty during the adolescent years.

Body composition and body shape remain relatively constant during middle childhood. During preadolescence and early adolescence (9 to 11 years in girls; 10 to 12 years in boys), the percentage of body fat increases in preparation for the growth spurt that occurs during adolescence. This body fat increase occurs earlier in girls than in boys. A larger growth spurt is associated with a larger increase in body weight. Additionally, excess fat helps promote growth. This is why children who are overweight or obese also tend to be tall.

Another thing to consider when your adolescent child’s weight is fluctuating is puberty. As a child experiences puberty, his or her body fat distribution changes. Girls develop more fatty tissue in the hips, thighs and buttocks. Girls entering puberty are at particularly high risk for dropping out of physical activities. As they adjust to their changing bodies, guidance and encouragement are particularly important for continued participation in physical activities.

During puberty, boys commonly experience gynecomastia, or the development of fatty breast tissue. This happens in up to 70 percent of boys and usually occurs during mid-puberty. The predominance of estrogen during puberty as compared to testosterone is said to be the cause. However, gynecomastia does tend to disappear within two years and typically does not require treatment.

While frequent changes in height and weight can make dressing your child and self- acceptance challenging, rest assured that this is a normal part of life. As a parent, your role is to help make your child feel as comfortable as possible, even though they may feel frustrated or self-conscious. ARMC Medical Group Pediatric Associates recommend that you encourage and help your child understand these physical changes and continue to promote a healthy diet, plenty of sleep, and lots of exercise and activity. However, when weight loss or gain is extreme and sudden, talk with your child’s doctor to ensure there is no underlying condition to consider.

For more information on this topic and child growth – there will be a brief discussion and a question/answer session at the upcoming ARMC Community Health Walk on Thursday, Aug, 27 at 6 p.m. ARMC Medical Group Pediatric Associates will meet at NOAA’s auditorium for a brief discussion on healthy weight in children. Participants will enjoy a healthy child/family scavenger hunt during the walk. In addition, this event collaborates with the Downtown Stroll, where you can enjoy live music.

Drs. Leah Conboy and Jon Nicholson, and Lacey Mersino, CPNP-AC with ARMC Medical Group Pediatric Associates are accepting new patients and would be happy to discuss your child’s health. Contact their office at 356-0504.