Glossary · Growth

Failure to thrive

A clinical term for a child whose weight or height has dropped meaningfully below their expected growth curve over time. It is a signal to investigate causes (medical, nutritional, social), not a diagnosis itself. Pediatricians evaluate this; parents should not self-diagnose.

Related terms

BMI percentile (children)
Growth chart
Growth spurt
Catch-up growth
Childhood obesity
WHO growth standards

Miriel uses this concept across food scans, meal plans, and AI Coach responses where it is relevant to a child's profile. For the underlying clinical and scientific basis, see the research page.