My 12-year-old daughter weighs only 29 kg. I have tried different diets but it has not helped. However she is active and healthy. How can I help her gain weight?
— Vanya Agrawal, Bengaluru
Your daughter weighs approximately 17-18 percent less than what is expected of a child her age. Include protein-rich foods such as sprouts, dal, eggs, chicken and fish in her daily diet. Avoid junk food, fried food, and sweets. Also, increase her outdoor physical activity to two hours per day to stimulate her appetite.

Moreover I suggest you consult a pediatrician to evaluate her for micronutrient deficiencies such as iron, zinc, vitamin D, and vitamin A. Some children with low birth weight don’t gain weight on a par with peers. If she is not deficient in nutrients and is active and healthy, there’s no cause to worry. She will catch up.

I’m not sure if my children (10 and 14 years) are getting the nutrients they need as they rarely eat vegetables. Should I give them supplements?
— Lakshya Reddy, Hyderabad
Involve them in shopping for vegetables and fruits. Encourage them to help while you cook. They need to realise the effort that goes into preparing a meal. Itʼs only then that they will respect and eat healthy homemade food. Vitamins and mineral supplements are short-term solutions. You need to inculcate healthy eating habits in childhood. A balanced diet is the best source of nutrients.

My son feels very tired after going out in the sun. I make sure he drinks plenty of water. Compared to peers, his tiredness is much more. Why?
— Chitra Deep, Chennai
Children lose a lot of electrolytes through sweating when they venture into sunlight. Hydrate him with an electrolyte solution — lemon juice with a pinch of salt and a spoon of sugar. Also, ensure your son carries a water bottle when he steps outdoors. Advise him to avoid exposure to direct sunlight. You could plan outdoor activities at an hour when the sun is less harsh.

My daughter’s hands are excessively sweaty. Likewise the soles of her feet. Please advise treatment.
— Misha Siri, Delhi
Excessive sweating of the palms and soles can lead to children facing difficulty writing and playing. There are lotions available for topical application which keep palms dry. However, she needs further evaluation to rule out other causes and to determine if surgical treatment is required. Please consult a paediatrician.