Avoid Steroids for Weight Gain: Safe Solutions for Children’s Eating Challenges

Light House Denver – A caregiver in Surabaya, East Java, recently caused concern by giving a child under her care a weight-gain drug containing steroids. The drug’s adverse effects hospitalized the child. Linggra Kartika, the child’s mother, expressed her frustration over how easily people can purchase such drugs. The drug, marked with a ‘K’ symbol to indicate it requires a doctor’s prescription, is widely available.

“The problem lies in how freely this medication is sold online. It’s incredibly cheap too. When incidents like this happen, it’s unclear who bears responsibility,” Linggra wrote in an Instagram post.

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Medical Experts Warn Against Using Steroids for Appetite Stimulation

Responding to the incident, Dr. Agustini Utari, SpA(K), Chair of the Endocrinology Working Group of the Indonesian Pediatric Society (IDAI), strongly urged parents not to use steroids to increase their child’s appetite. She emphasized that parents should address children’s picky eating habits or feeding issues using safer and healthier methods.

Doctors have also warned against excessive consumption of unhealthy foods, such as seblak, due to health risks.

Dr. Agustini explained that many parents struggle with introducing complementary foods or encouraging children to eat. However, she advised creating a positive and stress-free mealtime experience. “Feeding children can be challenging. Parents must avoid pressuring them to eat and instead focus on ensuring that mealtime feels enjoyable for the child,” she said during an IDAI press conference on October 17, 2024.

She elaborated on the importance of tailoring feeding strategies to fit a child’s personality and preferences. Parents can foster a positive relationship with food by creating a pleasant mealtime atmosphere. This approach makes feeding more cooperative and enjoyable for both parents and children.

Recognizing Signs of Feeding Pressure

Similarly, Dr. Piprim Basarah Yanuarso, SpA(K), Chair of the Central Board of the Indonesian Pediatric Society, advised parents to avoid forcing their children to eat. He stressed the need to maintain a cheerful and supportive environment during meals. “Parents should make mealtime a happy experience. If children associate the clinking of a spoon with being forced to eat, they will often refuse food,” he explained.

Dr. Piprim identified food pocketing—where a child keeps food in their mouth without swallowing—as a common sign of pressure to eat. This often occurs when a child isn’t hungry but is still being spoon-fed excessively. “Pocketing food shows resistance. It’s the child’s way of signaling they aren’t ready to eat yet,” he added.

Both experts emphasized the need for parents to understand children’s natural hunger and fullness cues. Instead of using force, parents should respect these signals to avoid turning mealtimes into a source of anxiety or conflict. They encouraged parents to seek professional guidance if feeding challenges persist to ensure children receive adequate nutrition safely and effectively.

Health Risks of Unregulated Medications

Dr. Agustini and Dr. Piprim reminded parents of the serious health risks posed by unregulated medications, especially steroids. These drugs require strict medical supervision, as improper use can lead to harmful side effects. They called on authorities to tighten regulation and monitoring of such medications to prevent misuse and ensure children’s safety.

This incident urges parents to adopt safe and constructive strategies to address feeding challenges. With patience, creativity, and a nurturing approach, parents can positively influence their child’s eating habits without risking their health or well-being.

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