Paediatrics, by video or in person
Child Not Eating or Not Gaining Weight
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Child Not Eating or Not Gaining Weight
- Eating very little, or refusing whole groups of food
- Clothes that are not getting tight, or a weight that has stayed the same for months
- Falling behind other children of the same age in size
- Tiredness, paleness or poor concentration
- Frequent illness, diarrhoea or vomiting
Published Mezo prices. Each links to what the price covers.
Many children go through phases of eating little, especially toddlers, and grow well anyway. What matters is the pattern on a growth chart: a child whose weight drops well below the line they were following, or who stops gaining for months, has what doctors call faltering growth. Common causes are not getting enough food or the right food, feeding difficulties, and repeated infections such as malaria, diarrhoea or worms. Less often there is an illness such as sickle cell disease, a heart problem or tuberculosis behind it. Weighing and measuring your child, and plotting it on a chart, is the first step.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Eating very little, or refusing whole groups of food
- Clothes that are not getting tight, or a weight that has stayed the same for months
- Falling behind other children of the same age in size
- Tiredness, paleness or poor concentration
- Frequent illness, diarrhoea or vomiting
- In severe undernutrition, very thin arms and legs, or swollen feet and face
When to See a Doctor
Go to a hospital now if a child who is not eating is also very drowsy, cannot drink, is vomiting everything, has swollen feet, or is very thin with loose skin, which can be severe malnutrition and needs treatment in hospital. See a doctor soon if your child has lost weight, has not gained weight for two or three months, has stopped growing taller, or has diarrhoea, cough or fever that keeps coming back. Bring the child's health card or any past weights you have.
Treatment options
- Accurate weight and height, plotted on a WHO growth chart
- A feeding and diet history, with practical advice on meals, snacks and mealtimes
- Tests only where they help, such as blood count, malaria, urine and stool, and sickle cell or tuberculosis tests where the doctor suspects them
- Treatment of the cause, such as deworming, infection or anaemia
- Referral to a dietitian or paediatric specialist where growth does not recover
- Hospital care or a feeding programme for severe malnutrition
What it costs on Mezo
Starting cash prices for the treatments used for this condition.
Common Questions
My toddler eats very little. Should I worry?
Not if your child is active, growing along their line on the chart and eating a range of foods over a week. Toddlers' appetites change from day to day. Offer regular meals and small snacks, eat together, and avoid filling up on sweet drinks between meals.
Will an appetite syrup help?
Appetite syrups do not treat the reason a child is not gaining weight, and some contain medicines with side effects. Find the cause first, with a doctor.
Can a doctor help by video?
Yes, for the first conversation. A doctor can take the feeding history, look at the weights on your child's health card and decide which measurements and tests are needed. Accurate weighing and an examination then happen in person.
Need Help?
A children's doctor on a video call, who tells you whether your child needs to be examined in person.
See a paediatrician by videoIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
Find a verified paediatrics specialist near you.
Paediatrics in Lagos →Paediatrics in Abuja →Paediatrics in Port Harcourt →Paediatrics in Jos →Paediatrics in Ibadan →Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Faltering growth: recognition and management of faltering growth in children (NG75). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Clinical guideline.
- Child growth standards. World Health Organization. Clinical guideline.
- Malnutrition. World Health Organization. Fact sheet.
Links last checked 24 October 2026.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.