would you put a nine year old on a diet?

Question

he's about 7 st 9lb and is already followind my slimming world diet in a fashion but i'm not sure on dieting messing his metabolism up

i personally don't see too much of a problem in his weight except for the cruel taunts of others but his father has a big problem in it and calls me on a regular basis to tell me so. i hope he never does this in front of my son or there will be trouble.

my son only thinks he's healthy eating because i am and we go swimming together twice a week. i would never let him think for a min that his weight is an issue

Answer 1

cut out rubbish and plenty of exercise

Answer 2

I would disagree with putting him on the SW diet. I did it and found that I wasn't getting all the nutrients I needed. Even though you're trying to make him loose weight, he's still growing and needs to get all the right nutrients to do so. Another thing with SW, or any other restricted food types diet, is that if you just do it as a temporary fix, all the weight goes back on when you start to eat normally again. The best way is definitely sensible eating and exercise.

Turn the tv / computer off and get him out for a bit of fresh air and exercise at the local park!

Answer 3

As a child I was overweight. at 15 i was 15st and had a 40" waist. the strange thing is that It all started to fall off as I went through the later stages of puberty.

I was placed on diets and meal replacement shakes, I truly resented it all even though it was in my best interest. no matter how much you protect him from the idea that his weight is not an issue, it will be an issue in school. I advocate plenty of healthy foods, get him involved in the preparation and cooking of his meals so he understands that making a meal from scratch is not difficult for future years. avoid monstrous "food" like McDonalds especially calling it a treat as so many parents do. It is not a treat!

he will grow out of it but only with the right attitude to food and activities.

Answer 4

At nine yrs. old he's 107 lbs. To determine is he is within a normal weight range, I'm missing an important fact - his height. But 107lbs does sound heavy for the average 9-yr-old. Provide a healthy, well-rounded diet, no fast food, easy on the sweets, especially those that also have lots of carbs (cake, cookies [biscuits]), encourage water and exercise/activity/sports. If you still have doubts, ask his doctor.

Answer 5

As long as he is eating healthily there should not be a problem. The SW diet is a pretty balanced diet (been there and done it!), just encourage him to keep active. Try and get him to do swimming or sports at least 3 times a week. Make it fun, dont keep on about him being on a diet, call it healthy eating :D.

Answer 6

I would not. The reason being is that I do not like the word "diet". Good food and healthy eating habits are important at his age. I have a 10 year old so I can relate. Offer healthy choices of snacks rather than junk food. Try not to keep junk food in the house...you know the old saying...out of sight, out of mind...hmmm...hope I was helpful

Answer 7

Unless he's an obese child a diet persay is not necessary. We should always monitor what our children eat. For the most part children are active and will get plenty of excercise just being children. As with anyone dieting to extemes can mess with your health. Consult with his pediatrician. Make sure he has a physical so you can see exactly what his situation is. Safety is more important than being a fashion statement.

Answer 8

Unless a young child is severely overweight, then do not let them diet. Your setting them up for a life full of gaining and losing weight. Instead if you are concerned that they are overweight just make sure you are feeding him healthy foods. And don't ban any treats.. this will only backfire in the long run, whenever he isn't around you he will binge. Instead of banning them all together, replace them with healthier versions... frozen yogurt instead of ice cream, bake your own apple crumb instead of having sugar and fat loaded apple pie. For special occasions, such as birthday parties, let him have a piece of cake, just make sure it is not a huge piece, which people tend to give. And no soda!!!! If he really wants soda, then get flavored seltzer instead.

Answer 9

No diet! Will screw up his metabolism for life. Just up his exercise - a lot!! Find sports he enjoys and get involved with him. Let him have sweets one day a week and keep the rest as healthy as possible. But really, a restrictive calorie diet is his worst enemy at this age xxx

Answer 10

Put him on a diet of healthy eating and exercise. It's a life change, not a diet. You and your family should be eating healthy and being active. Show him a good example by eating lots of fruits, veggies, whole grains, low fat dairy. Don't buy cookies and chips, you and your child can do without.

Answer 11

You should never put a child on a "diet" unless he's seriously overweight. Putting such significant emphasis on weight is not healthy for a child especially if they are perfectly healthy. It sends the wrong message. you don't want the kid growing up and having an eating disorder.