over weight

[itsjustme2528]

My daughter is 6 and very over weight. We have tried everything. She eats the same food my other daughter eats and she is skinny. I don't know what to do. I thought with her being in school this year maybe that would help but she eats worse at school then at home, they have ice cream as dessert at lunch and then they have a snack 2hrs after lunch. Her doctor said we could check her thyroid but then another doctor told me at her age the test wouldn't be acurate. Do you know if this is true? I had never heard of a thyroid being inaccurate due to age. My husband has a thyroid problem and my mom also does. Is there any safe diets for kids?

[Renee Radenberg]

Please state your daughter's height and weight (in lbs. or kg) so I can assess her nutritional status and help you with your question. Thank you.

[Jessx3]

Hello there,

My four year old daughter has recently started to put on weight.  She was 41 lbs. in March and now she is 52 lbs.  At a recent physical she was charted to be in the 50 percentile for height and 95 percentile for weight.  My heart sank and I started watching her eating habits more closely.  I found that my daughter was sneaking snacks at times she wasn't allowed to have any, and some in larger portions than she is allowed.  The doctors said they would monitor her for a while, but they also remind me that everyone's body is not the same.  Both of her older brothers are very tall and thin.  She is average height and a little thick.  Comparing her to her sister isn't a fair comparison.  Has your daughter had a weight problem since infancy, or is this something new?  

[itsjustme2528]

Since birth she was 2weeks early and 9lbs 8oz.I was a contributor of her weight problem I know. When she was 2 to 4 we ate a lot, ALOT of fast food3 times aweek atleast. I knew I shouldn't eat it but thought kids had higher matabolism. So I know I have ownership in it too. It's not just that she was big at birth. Obesity is in her dads side of the family that we have just recently met. His mom was 500lbs at one point and had surgery. But now we met my husbands fathers side of the family and every woman is over weight. I just want to fix it. I don't want her to come home crying from school anymore cause somebody called her fat. She is just 6, a kindergardener. It hurts her so bad she is already a very sensitive girl. She doesn't deserve this, it's not her fault.

[dalejrsgirlie]

I have the same problem with my 7 year old daughter.  She is 51" and 93 pounds.  She was 36 weeks at birth and was 8 lbs.1ox and 20" long.  I realize that she is a tall girl but I worry that her weight is affecting her health.  Her 11 year old brother eats the same foods and enjoys the same activities but he is 54" and only weighs 75 pounds.  She has already been called "overweight" by a girl in her class and she came home in tears.  Our pediatrician is of no help and says there's nothing wrong with her.  I don't want this weight problem to linger on and have her being an obese adult because I did nothing.  She is a fairly healthy eater.  Enjoys many fresh fruits, like peas, green beans, corn, carrots and lettuce.  She loves salads and yogurts.  Where am I going wrong?  Is it possible that we could be looking at something such as a thyroid problem?  What can I do to help her manage her weight better?

[Renee Radenberg]

I cannot really assess how overweight your child is due to no stated weight or height. It is recommended that children should not diet (due to growing). To loss weight your child should increase their physical activities (increase time playing outside and walking), and decrease time watching TV or video games. Research has found that the increased time in front of a TV or video games has a direct effect of a child's increased weight. It is important children should eat healthy foods from all the food groups including multi- grains, fruits and vegetables.