Weight Loss in Child

Updated on March 23, 2009
A.H. asks from Dallas, TX
4 answers

I am wondering if any of you have a personal experience with a child that is overweight. My husband and I growing up were both very active and did not have problems with our weight. Up until I had my daughter 10 years ago, I never had a weight problem. Since then, I have struggled. I know that you need to lead by example but I am trying to figure out a happy medium. Her food choices are awful and she use to be tiny. Now she has started to get a fairly large stomach and I am so sad for her. I talked with the doctor about it in August but he did not seem too concerned - he said that at this age - there hormones start working overtime and they develop a "midsection" - he seem to think that she would lose it soon. I am just looking for some advice. She appears to be eating sometimes just to eat - to me - 10 seems awful young for this - let me know what you think. Thanks!

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So What Happened?

Thanks for all of your wonderful thoughts. She is chunky - not overweight but I worry - I never had a weight problem until now. We started working out today and she jogged for 1.5 miles on the treadmill - I am sure everything will be fine but it is worrysome.

More Answers

H.K.

answers from Dallas on

Hi A. -

I have had personal experience with an overweight culture in a family and the worse thing that can be done is ignoring it. I have a friend who can help. She does more than most hospital programs. She is a health coach and is helping me introduce healthier eating to my children. We have had significant loss due to obesity and diabetes in my family and I am trying to set a different trend. Good Luck!

Serena Johnson, Health Coach
Go Green! Healthy Kids
###-###-####
www.eatplaylivegreen.com

H.

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C.W.

answers from Dallas on

I have a 10 yr old that has been a little more on the chubby side her whole life. Is she chubby or over weight? I encourage my daughter to get up and play a little bit more and I have been working with her on recognizing when she is full and to stop eating at that point. However, I have been told not to worry too much about dieting or trying to get her to lose weight. Most doctors want them to maintain the weight and wait for them to grow into it. Be careful you don't want her to develop a complex about her weight. Good Luck!

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S.S.

answers from Wichita Falls on

The hilton head metabolism diet for children. :)

The only thing that worries me is eating just to eat - and all I can say is ask her if she wants to do something when you see her thinking about food (yes, my children actually have that look). Usually my daughter will go for a walk - and then a yogurt or an apple. My son is always good for a game of catch and then some oranges or popcorn.

S.

M.D.

answers from Dallas on

Ten is about right in age for girls especially to start gaining weight, going through that chunky stage in life. If she hasn't already, she'll probably be starting her period within the next 2 years. My daughter started when she was only 9. I've been an over-weight child all my life, I look back at pictures and I really wasn't that fat, but let me tell you that sticks with you, and can all your life. Encourage her to eat right, go on walks or get active with her. Don't make a big deal about her weight or if she's gaining in some areas. My dad told my baby sister that her friend was a little smaller than her in the 7th grade, and my sister became anorexic. So it also depends on how she takes it, so if it takes the whole family to go on bike rides, or mother daughter walk. Just don't make too much of a big deal with it.
Good Luck

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