8 year old obsessed with eating

My 8 year old is obsessed with eating. It is not so much how much she eats, as constantly asking about what we are having, hovering in the kitchen, asking for snacks. She eats relatively well for a child, but she is overweight. Her 6 year old brother has Cystic Fibrosis so he is encouraged to eat alot of high calorie/ high sodium foods.  And I do have to tell her no alot when I tell him yes. But I have explained why he needs the extra food and she seems to understand. She is so obsessed with food that I caught her in the kitchen this morning, fixing her breakfast with wet pants (she has been having trouble with bed wetting). I asked her why she didn't change her pants and she said she wanted breakfast first. I am at my limit and am really concerned!  What can I do?

[Renee Radenberg]

From the measurements you wrote, her weight and height are just above the 95th percentile for her age. Based on her weight / age, she should be consuming approximately 2000 calories per day for her to grow as recommended the following; Fruits = 2 cups; Vegetables 2.5-3 cups; Grains (cereals, breads) = 6-7oz equivalents; Meat & beans = 5.5-6oz equivalents; Dairy products (milk, yogurt) = 3 cups; Oils = 6 tsp; Additional calories to be used discretionary = 267. This food needs to be divided up between 3 meals and snacks between meals daily. Suggest limiting high sugar drinks/snacks and try replacing with low fat milk/yogurt or fruit/popcorn. Cook only low fat meats (chicken, fish, loin of pork) or non-meat sources (soy products, nuts), low fat vegetarian combinations (rice & beans, pasta & beans, low fat cheese & pasta), fat free or low fat dairy products (skim milk, 1% milk, low fat cheese, low fat yogurts, low fat soy milk/yogurt), use plant oils, non trans-fat margarines, and eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. Eat daily high fiber breads and cereals (oatmeal) and limit ‘junk’ foods. Suggest increasing her physical activities (play, dance, sports) to maintain weight, and not lower calorie intake due to the need of calories for growth. Limit time in front of the TV/DVD/computer or non-active-video games. There have been studies showing the longer the length of time a child sit in front of the TV, the greater the weight gain. Have her help you cook simple healthy foods so she learns how to eat right. Make everything fun so she will enjoy living healthy and may be will not ‘obsess’ about food. Hoped this helped you.