CLAIM:
A baby’s health cannot be judged by whether they are lean or chubby.
As long as the child is active, meeting developmental milestones on time, and growing according to the growth chart, body size alone does not determine health.
FACT:
True. There is no scientific evidence that chubby babies are healthier than lean babies. A baby’s health is assessed through growth charts, developmental milestones, activity levels, and consistent growth patterns - not body size alone. As long as a child is feeding well and developing appropriately, being lean does not mean they are unhealthy.
In a viral reel posted by Dr Arpit Gupta, a paediatrician who has over 1 million followers on Instagram, the doctor addresses a long-standing belief that chubby babies are healthier than lean ones.
The reel captures a common concern among parents, as the interviewer asks whether a baby’s body type, lean or chubby, actually reflects their health. Responding to this, Dr Gupta explains that society often equates fat babies with good health and thinner babies with weakness, but calls this “a complete myth.”
He further clarifies that a baby’s health should not be judged by appearance alone. Instead, he says, the real indicators of good health are whether “the baby is active, achieving milestones on time, and growing in height according to the growth chart.” He also notes that some babies are naturally lean due to genetics and higher metabolism, adding that parents should not worry as long as the child is active, playful, and developing normally.
The reel has gained significant traction, amassing over 1.7 million views, 24,400 likes, and 23,400 shares, sparking widespread discussion among parents about how to truly assess a baby’s health.
Are lean babies less healthy than chubby babies?
Paediatricians assess a baby’s health and growth using standardised growth charts developed by the World Health Organisation and recommended by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention for children under two years of age. These charts are based on extensive research and track parameters such as weight-for-age and weight-for-length, helping doctors determine where a baby falls compared to other healthy infants of the same age and sex. The point where a baby’s age intersects with their weight or length on the chart indicates their percentile, which reflects their growth pattern over time rather than their body shape alone.
An infant may be considered underweight if their measurement falls at or below the 5th percentile, although this depends on factors such as prematurity or underlying medical conditions. Importantly, experts do not use body mass index (BMI) for infants, as it is not considered an appropriate indicator at this stage. Instead, consistent growth along a percentile curve, whether lower or higher, is generally considered a sign of healthy development.
Why are some healthy babies naturally lean?
Several normal factors can explain why some babies appear lean without indicating poor health. Genetics plays a major role; babies born to smaller-framed parents are more likely to be smaller themselves. Birth weight also influences growth patterns, as babies born prematurely or with low birth weight may remain smaller for several months or longer. However, fluctuations in growth are common, and temporary slowdowns do not necessarily indicate a problem unless they are persistent or accompanied by other warning signs.
Feeding patterns can also influence weight gain. Research has shown that breastfed infants may gain weight differently compared to formula-fed infants, but both feeding methods can support healthy growth. Differences in metabolism, feeding frequency, and individual physiology can result in variations in body size without affecting overall health.
Key health indicators
Developmental progress and overall activity are more reliable indicators of infant health than body size alone. Babies who are active, alert, feeding well, and achieving milestones such as smiling, holding their head up, rolling over, and bearing weight appropriately are generally considered healthy, regardless of whether they appear lean or chubby. Regular wet diapers, consistent feeding, and an engaged, responsive temperament also signal adequate nutrition and healthy development.
However, poor feeding, lethargy, delayed milestones, or falling below the 5th percentile on growth charts may indicate a condition known as “failure to thrive,” which requires medical evaluation. In many cases, this is temporary and improves with feeding support, though it can sometimes be linked to underlying medical or genetic conditions. For this reason, medical bodies recommend regular monitoring of growth and development, as long-term trends, rather than appearance, provide the most accurate assessment of a baby’s health. And if concerns persist, it is always advisable to consult your paediatrician about your child’s growth and development.
This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS.
