Child Obesity

I have a nephew that i am seriously concerned about. he is 10 years old and weighs over 120 lbs. His mother is slightly obese, too. i have tried to explain to her that it is unhealthy for him to be that large, but she doesn't seem to be too concerned. She will put him on a diet, as long as we are around. i have noticed that he eats every time he gets in trouble, and over excited. He snacks all of the time and drinks sodas constantly. My sister has threatened everyone of her siblings with DHR if she sees them punishing (spanking) their children. She thinks that "time-out" and the "reward system" is much more effective. however, it's her child that has th problems in school, it's her child that is direspectful to her and everyone else, and it's her home where the decibel point tolerance between the two is almost deafening.

I have tried to help, but im wondering if it's not him but his mother and if he has gone too far to be helped. Obesity might not even be the primary issue.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

There are certainly signs of trouble within this family, and your nephew's obesity is a problem in itself, but likely also symtomatic of the family system problems. However, this is not your family - you cannot change things. All you can do is express your love and concern, and try to influence your nephew's parents to seek some help. But don't involve yourself in an intrusive, combative way, and please don't employ this feedback in combat with your nephew's parents.

[Thumper]

thank you for that information. i know that i can't tell them what was said, but i do believe that there are some serious problems. Also, i just found out tonight, by my wife, that he weighs 169 not 120. i am afraid that the child protection services will take him away from her...which may prove to be the best thing.

[michele]

I'm not sure if forcing an outside agency into the picture and possibly having him taken away from his mother is the right thing to do.  Perhaps you could try taking your nephew bowling, put-put golfing, derby-car racing, etc. anything to get him out of his environment and take his mind off of food.  Maybe he would open to you and let you know what's bothering him.  Obesity creates it's own problems (kids might tease him & he probably feels awful) but at the same time food is probably the only comfort/best friend he's got.

[floydkunfusmell]

i am 13 and i way 97 kg what should i do when all we get is junk then for 3 days a week i starve cause i ate to much