Why is my little sister growing fat so quickly?

Question

My 10 y/o little sister lives with me (I am 19). My parents are overseas so I am basically her guardian.

My sis is now 4'9'' and 90lbs. She tells me she is fat and I agree with her and tell her that I was her height and weighed 65lbs at her age.

We both eat unhealthy because I am too lazy to cook. We eat fast food about 5 meals a week. I seldom eat veggies (as I don't like them) but I cook and make her eat them because she is getting fat. She has PE at school everyday so I think she is exercising but I can't be sure (as I usually did nothing when I had PE).

I don't know why she is getting fat. At 10 yrs old, metabolism should still be good. She grew less than 2 inches but gained 15lbs from last yr.

I have an unhealthy lifestyle but I have always been 5'5'' and 105lbs for the past 2 yrs.

I want to help my sister but I don't want to suffer.

Answer 1

Let her get on a diet she is probably pregnant there is no way she should be over weight like that

Answer 2

You answered your own question "We both eat unhealthy because I am too lazy to cook. We eat fast food about 5 meals a week. I seldom eat veggies (as I don't like them) but I cook and make her eat them because she is getting fat."

Simply cut out the unhealthy food and especially fries, burgers and soda...Soda will add weight as fast as you can blink. If she cuts out the soda and drinks water instead she will lose some weight gradually. Plus if she drinks a lot of liquid (you really need only a couple of glasses of water a day) and eats salt the salt will hold the liquid and she will gain weight. Even if someone is fat they could be eating empty calories. Have her on vitamin pills and then cut the meals to 3 light ones a day (with snacks such as an orange, an apple, pear, etc. occasionally).

Answer 3

First of all back up.
You called her fat and you never ever should do that!
She may be over weight but, she is also ten. Many adults have problems with weight. First of all you need to stop the fast food and POP(SODA). It is okay as a treat but not to live off of.
You have assumed the role of Parent which as unfair as it maybe you have so that means you have to do whatever is best for her which includes eating YOUR VEGGIES. You are thin and she sees that and wants to be like you so you have to make the example.
your unhealthy lifestyle is her unhealthy lifestyle. unfortunately she isn't able to handle food in the same manner you do so you have to adjust your lifestyle accordingly.
Spend some of the take out money on active things you can do together
If you can't do this you need to think of looking for a different responsible adult to care for your sister because you may not be ready.

Answer 4

It's probably the crappy diet.

Get rid of the fast food. If you *must* eat it, limit to once a week. It's not that hard to eat properly.

Breakfast - 1 egg, toast with jelly, glass of orange juice.
Lunch - Have her take hot lunch at school. For days she's home, lunch can be a sandwich, baby carrots, and milk.
Dinner - Boneless, skinless chicken breast (not hard to do) with broccoli and rice or noodles.

Keep apples, oranges, baby carrots and the such around for snacks. Popcorn, potato chips, etc should be a treat, not a way of life.

If you don't change your eating habits, you'll start "getting fat", too.

Answer 5

If your sister is eating but really isn't getting to much exercise then that could be your answer. Everyone is different. Stop telling her that at her age you only weighed this much. She really doesn't want to hear you tell her she is fat. If your her guardian then be the responsible adult and help her the healthy way regardless if you have to suffer. Remember your the adult and she is the child.

Answer 6

You sound selfish & concided. Your sis is a kid, give her a break, & quit stressing to her about her weight - or she's going to have low self assteem & become anorexic. If you want to help her, quit discussing her weight like it's this big problem. Instead, go out & do things w/ her (go for a walk, bike ride, play catch) or put her in an evening class (like karate, dance, or tumbling). You should change both your diets - not just hers, it's unfair for you to eat cheeseburgers in front of her while she's eating a bowl of celery. How is this going to make you suffer? You're her parent right now, it's time for you to grow up & put her needs before your own.

Answer 7

First off you should be ashamed telling your lil sister she is fat instead of belittling her try helping her.... you are suppose to take care of her Stop being so lazy and cook some good healthy food for her and go and do things with her...... and seriously i don't think she is fat at almost 5 foot and only 90 pounds...... So just easy up on her cook her good food instead of junk food and leave her alone she will grow out of her baby fat..... But you do need to think about your responsibilites of caring for your sister....

Answer 8

You want to know why she's fat - look at your question!

Start making nutritious meals and keep the fast food down to a minimum. Kids learn by example - not what you tell them to do, especially if you're doing the opposite.

If you don't want to change - then call your parents and tell them you're just not responsible enough to care for you sister.

Answer 9

first of all being 5'5 and 105 pounds is completely unhealty for you and it can effect your heart. I am 5'2 and weigh 105 and that is the lowest someone my size is not suppose to go under but i have actually now gone below it to almost jut 100 pounds. its dangerous. and for your sister being 4'9 and only 90 that seems pretty average to me regardless of her age because she is almost 5 feet tall.

Answer 10

what the hell is wrong with you??? you have no right to call your sister fat. if you want to help her, tell her what a great kid she is.. and try getting her involved in activities that make her feel good about herself.

you have probably damaged her self-esteem, and are therefore not fit to be her guardian.

Answer 11

karenc what kind of answer is that, u think shes pregnant.at 10, u crazy.all you have to do is cook healthy for her take her out daily for walks.if that doesn't work take her to a pediatrician and talk to him ,let him have her cholesterol done and then let him take it to the next step and tell you what to do