too much weight

My daughter is constantly wanting to eat. She is extremely active, especially now that we have moved to FL. Yet, she continues to gain weight, even though she doesn't eat much. She has three meals a day, 2 at school, and dinner at home,plus one snack a day. She drinks water and milk, and takes vitamins. We only eat fast food once a week, and we don't keep chips/cookies, etc in the house. Her snacks are cheese, fruit or one freeze-pop a day. I don't know what to ask the doctor to look for if I take her.

[Renee Radenberg]

Her weight is above the 95th percentile and her height is just below the 90th percentile for her age. For her age she needs 1800-2000 calories per day as recommended the following: Fruits (limit fruit juices) = 1.5 cups; Vegetables 2.5 cups; Grains (cereals, breads) = 6oz equivalents; Meat & beans = 5oz equivalents; Dairy products (milk, yogurt) = 3 cups; Oils = 5 tsp; Additional calories to be used discretionary = 195. 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 more (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.