Differential Diagnosis for Poor Weight Gain in Adolescent
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Psychological or behavioral issues: Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or other mental health conditions like depression or anxiety can lead to poor appetite and weight gain. This is a common issue in adolescents due to body image concerns, peer pressure, and emotional struggles.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Gastrointestinal issues: Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis), celiac disease, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause malabsorption, leading to poor weight gain.
- Hormonal imbalances: Thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism), growth hormone deficiency, or other endocrine issues can affect appetite, metabolism, and weight gain.
- Chronic illnesses: Conditions like diabetes, cystic fibrosis, or chronic infections (e.g., tuberculosis) can lead to poor weight gain due to increased energy expenditure, malabsorption, or decreased appetite.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Inadequate caloric intake, poor diet, or deficiencies in essential nutrients like vitamin D, iron, or zinc can hinder weight gain.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Cancer: Although rare, certain types of cancer (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma, or brain tumors) can cause weight loss and poor weight gain in adolescents.
- Infectious diseases: Conditions like HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, or parasitic infections (e.g., giardiasis) can lead to malabsorption, weight loss, and poor weight gain.
- Genetic disorders: Certain genetic conditions, such as Turner syndrome or Prader-Willi syndrome, can affect growth and weight gain.
Rare Diagnoses
- Mitochondrial disorders: Conditions like Kearns-Sayre syndrome or Pearson syndrome can affect energy production, leading to poor weight gain and other systemic symptoms.
- Congenital heart disease: Certain heart defects can increase energy expenditure, leading to poor weight gain.
- Neurological disorders: Conditions like muscular dystrophy or spinal muscular atrophy can affect appetite, swallowing, and weight gain.