Do you gain weight with PediaSure? What Parents Need to Know

January 10, 2026 •

4 min read

Clinical studies have shown that PediaSure can significantly help undernourished children gain weight and improve their growth percentiles. This nutritional supplement is designed to fill dietary gaps and provide essential calories and nutrients for children who are struggling to grow at a healthy rate.

Quick Summary

PediaSure is clinically proven to help undernourished children gain weight by providing a concentrated source of calories, protein, and essential nutrients. It promotes catch-up growth when used under medical supervision to supplement a child's diet.

Key Points

Yes, it causes weight gain: PediaSure is formulated to provide a concentrated source of calories, protein, and nutrients, which can lead to weight gain when consumed consistently, especially in undernourished individuals.
Intended for undernourished children: The supplement is designed for children with nutritional deficiencies, poor appetite, or specific medical needs, and should not be used casually.
Calorie surplus drives weight gain: PediaSure works by helping to create a calorie surplus, which is the primary mechanism for gaining weight.
Medical supervision is key: For safe and healthy weight gain, PediaSure should be used under the guidance of a pediatrician or dietitian.
Consider the sugar content: Some PediaSure varieties are high in sugar, which is a factor to consider for long-term health.
Whole foods first: Health professionals typically recommend prioritizing nutrient-dense whole foods before turning to supplements.

The Science Behind PediaSure and Weight Gain

The fundamental principle of weight gain is consuming more calories than you burn. PediaSure is formulated to help achieve this calorie surplus in children who are undernourished or struggling to meet their nutritional needs through food alone. By providing a concentrated source of calories, protein, and other essential nutrients, it facilitates healthy, proportional weight gain.

Key Ingredients for Weight Gain

PediaSure's effectiveness is rooted in its nutrient-dense composition. The primary ingredients contributing to weight gain include:

Carbohydrates: Sources like corn maltodextrin and sugar provide quick and sustained energy, boosting the overall caloric intake.
Protein: The formula contains a blend of high-quality proteins from milk and soy. Protein is crucial for building muscle tissue and supporting overall growth.
Fats: A blend of vegetable oils, including high oleic sunflower and soy oil, provides a concentrated source of energy. Some formulas also include medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easily digested and absorbed.

Is PediaSure Always the Answer for Weight Gain?

While PediaSure can be a powerful tool, it is important to understand its intended purpose. It is not a generic solution for all weight concerns, but rather a targeted intervention for specific situations under medical guidance.

Who is PediaSure For?

PediaSure is typically recommended for children aged 2 to 13 who:

Are considered picky eaters and have nutritional gaps.
Have growth patterns below those of their age group.
Require additional calories and nutrients due to a medical condition or poor appetite.
Are recovering from an illness or surgery that has impacted their food intake.

For a healthy child with a typical appetite, introducing PediaSure without a medical need could lead to excessive calorie intake and unhealthy weight gain.

The Importance of Medical Supervision

Using PediaSure should be done under the supervision of a pediatrician or dietitian. They can accurately assess your child's nutritional status using growth charts and determine if a nutritional supplement is necessary. They can also provide guidance on the correct amount and ensure the child is gaining weight proportionally, without accumulating excess fat.

Comparison: PediaSure vs. Whole Foods for Weight Gain

While supplements offer convenience, a whole foods-based approach is often prioritized for healthy weight gain. Here is a comparison of both methods.


Feature	PediaSure Supplementation	Whole Food Approach
Calorie Density	Highly concentrated calories in a single serving.	Variable, depends on food choices (e.g., avocados, nuts).
Nutrient Balance	Formulated with 20+ vitamins and minerals for complete nutrition.	Achieved through a varied diet, requires careful planning.
Convenience	Ready-to-drink shakes or easy-to-mix powders.	Requires preparation time for meals and snacks.
Nutritional Gaps	Specifically targets and fills nutritional deficiencies.	Can be more challenging for picky eaters to get all necessary nutrients.
Absorption	Highly absorbable due to the liquid format.	Varies based on the food type and the child's digestive health.
Long-Term Health	High sugar content in some varieties can be a concern.	Generally healthier with less added sugar and more fiber.

Potential Downsides and Considerations

Before relying on PediaSure, it is essential to consider the following:

Sugar Content

Some PediaSure products, particularly the standard 'Grow & Gain' shakes, are high in added sugars. Excessive sugar intake can contribute to dental issues and potentially set a preference for sweet-tasting foods. Choosing products with reduced sugar or higher fiber content, like 'PediaSure with Fiber,' may be a better option.

Cost

PediaSure can be expensive, especially for long-term use. Homemade, high-calorie shakes using ingredients like whole milk, bananas, and nut butter can be a more budget-friendly alternative.

Not a Substitute for a Balanced Diet

PediaSure is a supplement, not a replacement for a healthy, balanced diet of whole foods. The best approach is to improve a child's overall diet first, using PediaSure only to fill gaps or boost calories as needed under medical advice.

How to Use PediaSure Effectively

Here are some best practices for using PediaSure:

Consult a professional: Always speak with a pediatrician or registered dietitian to determine if PediaSure is right for your child.
Supplement, don't replace: Encourage food first, and use PediaSure as a supplement between meals rather than as a meal replacement.
Start with one serving: Begin with the recommended serving size and monitor your child's progress. Increase servings only if advised by a healthcare provider.
Be consistent: For best results in promoting weight gain, consistency is key. Follow the recommended daily intake as advised by your doctor.
Power up smoothies: You can mix PediaSure powder into smoothies to add calories and nutrients.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision

Yes, you can gain weight with PediaSure, particularly if you are an undernourished child or adult with a medical need. The supplement provides the necessary caloric surplus and balanced nutrition to support healthy growth and weight gain when used appropriately. However, PediaSure is not a magic solution for all weight concerns. It should be used under medical supervision, often in conjunction with dietary counseling. Parents should prioritize a varied diet rich in whole foods and consider the potential downsides, such as cost and high sugar content. For more information on the effectiveness of nutritional supplements for children, you can review some clinical findings from the National Institutes of Health. Ultimately, the decision to use PediaSure should be a well-informed one, guided by a healthcare professional, and focused on the child's overall health and well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

While PediaSure is designed for children aged 2-13, studies show that adults can also gain weight by using similar nutritional supplements, as the caloric content helps increase overall intake.

The appropriate amount of PediaSure for a child to gain weight varies depending on individual needs and should be determined by a pediatrician or dietitian.

Yes, if a child is already meeting their nutritional needs and an excess of PediaSure is introduced, the additional calories could lead to unhealthy and disproportionate weight gain.

Yes, PediaSure has several product lines. 'Grow & Gain' is specifically marketed for helping kids catch up on growth and gain weight, while 'Sidekicks' is a lower-calorie option for filling nutritional gaps.

PediaSure is intended to be a nutritional supplement used with or between meals. It is not designed to replace whole meals, as that could cause a child to miss out on other essential nutrients found in solid food.

Healthy alternatives include homemade high-calorie smoothies made with ingredients like whole milk, full-fat yogurt, nut butters, and fruits like bananas or avocados.

Clinical studies have indicated that using PediaSure does not necessarily interfere with a child's appetite for table foods but can help promote nutritional adequacy. However, it is best used as a supplement, not as a replacement for meals.