Help with control

My son is 10yrs old and weight is out of control. He has always been in the upper 90% to 95% for his weight and height. His cholestrol is high and his legs hurt and he gets winded easy. I've taken him to a nutricanis last year and she was a joke.No cheese smaller portions water to drink and not much else. His Dr. wants him to go to see a weight loss specialist. And I know she is probly right but at the same time I don't know. I would like some guides to help my son myself and have to take him 2 hours from home for help. Exercise, diet changes, whar ever, I need helpto get started. I've never had a weight problem and don't know what to do for a 10 yr. ols child, that is safe and will help. Thankyou for any suggeston.

[Renee Radenberg]

His weight is definitely very much above the 95th percentile for his age. He needs to consume 2000-1800 calories a day to ensure his body grows. He may be overweight but he is still a child. It is recommend increasing children's physical activities (play, dance, sports) to lose weight, and not lower calorie intake due to the need of calories for growth. Limit time in front of the TV 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. Limit high sugar drinks/snacks, and try replacing with low fat milk/yogurt or fruit/popcorn/low-fat cheese. Additional suggestions: 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, salads, and vegetables. Eat daily high fiber breads and cereals (oatmeal) and limit ‘junk’ foods. Try to have the whole family eat healthy so he does not feel different. Hoped this helped you.