How do I get my daughter to lose weight?

Question

My daughter is 5 and 71. lbs she is a very picky eater. She refuses to eat any fruit or vegables. She is very active child but she seems to keep gaining weight. I cannot stand to see her as chubby as she is. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to help her to lose weight?

Answer 1

Sorry, it is too late. She has already developed her likes and dislikes and she will likely stick with them until adolesence at least.
She is probably hoarding food/eating obsessively because she perceives that when she wants it later, it will be gone.

Just in case, have her thyroid checked by a physician... But don't start making weight an "obvious" deal or she will carry that with her forever... Trust me, it's been 32 years since I was your child's age and I still am in the exact same boat.

Answer 2

You need to prioritize her health above how she looks. What does she eat? Stop sugars, processed foods, empty carbs. Get her to eat vegetables and fruits. I suggest researching how to get your kids to eat fruits and veggies - it is not an option if you want to have your child be completely healthy (although I know how hard it can be!)

In general, she probably needs more fiber in her diet, less sugar and less bad fats. How often do you bring home fast foods?

These are things I have discovered in my research, because I have similar concerns. I have a 7 year old daughter who is active, does not eat a lot and also weighs 71 pounds - or so. She is very tall for her age, but is carrying extra weight. I have had weight issues my whole life - even though I don't eat a ton either. I don't want her to have to lose a lot of weight, so I am trying to install healthier habits early.

If you are more concerned about her looks though than her health, than you are headed for trouble with your daughter. She will deeply resent you which can possibly lead to a deep depression and overreating as a tactic to feel better.

Make sure she is loved no matter how she looks and help her eating habits - and exercise habits - while she is young. I know its hard, but its doable!

Good luck!

Answer 3

Stop bringing home junk food. If she comes home from shool and wants a snack try crackers or goldfish which are both healthier than chips and soda. 100 calorie packs are a good snack too. Also even if she doesn't like to eat vegetables tell her to get dessert she must first eat veggies. For dessert at night pick sweet things that include fruits in them(such as fruits dipped in chocolate). Just a little tip if you bring home pizza pat of the extra grease with a napkin before giving any to her. It's up to you to not bring home fast food, and to make her eat veggies and fruit. Try this website for some ideas.
http://www.thatsmyhome.com/recipes-for-kids/index.htm

Answer 4

I think you must consider taking her to an endocrinologist. She may be suffering hypothyroidism or another metabolic related condition. There are a lot of natural formulas and remedies in the market like L-Carnitine and Goma Guar, with few side effects. But ought to the age of your daughter you need the advice of a pediatrician. You can also try Bach flowers essences, especially "Impatient". Best wishes.

Answer 5

Just a suggestion, try posting this under the Parenting section, too... maybe someone has a personal experience. Good luck and good for you for being responsible enough to take control of this. Little kids don't understand obesity or nutrition and it's up to parents to instill healthy eating and lifestyle choices.

Answer 6

Dear Parent: your child is 5 years old. Does she shop for groceries? Does she drive herself to McDonalds? No. That is why YOU are the parent because she doesn't know what is good for her. Let's get right down to it: You are the one who made her this way. You can take back your responsibility as a parent and guardian of her health if you are courageous enough to do it. Don't bring any unhealthy snacks into the home; don't buy fast foods; make some effort to teach her proper nutrition and don't cave in when she throws a fit because she doesn't get her way. When she gets hungry, she will eat, I promise. Peanut butter is always good for kids. Teach her by example! Take her for a walk every day! Get her involved in sports or karate or dance class as a reward for good nutrition. She doesn't have to know it's good for her to exercise. I beg you... please take control while you can. Thank you for asking this question because you have helped many others. Godloveya and your baby.

Answer 7

I agree with sassy
for a child, you don't necessarily have to put them on a strict diet, since they generally already have a fast metabolism

here are some things you can do:
don't buy junk food. if it's not in the house, she can't get to it no matter how much she whines
if it's hard to shop with her because she begs for junk food, don't take her.
don't go to fast food resturaunts
experiment with different foods until you find one she likes

here are some sweet foods she might like:
watermelon, apples, oranges, banannas, grapes, raisins, pomagranite, starfruit, pinapple,yams and loads more!

try putting spices into foods to see if she likes them better

drinks are important too. NO SODA, or if you do get soda, get one bottle a week
buy juices (preferably ones that are more than 10% fruit juice)

no boxed foods (unhealthy and not too tastey anyway)
if you can, try to make as many home-cooked meals as possible, such as pasta

if she likes to have snacks a lot, make healthy food she can eat when she feels a craving, like rice.

Answer 8

Sneak some friut or veggies in some pasta or cake. In fact sense I'm assuming your daughter likes sweets get her healthy food that has a nice sweet taste to it.

Answer 9

It is very nice that you are a caring mother.
Try to buy foods that have vegetables in it. Like sausages.
Also make it fun to eat healthy!
get some carrot and other veggies and arrange them in a smily face on a plate? and what about yougurt with fruit in it? And it is not your fault she is not eating veges or fruit. Keep trying and make it fun! (Oh yeh it worked for me!)

:)

Answer 10

Try giving her some fruit or vegetable smoothies. Walk more with her rather than taking the car. Go swimming or cycling if she can ride a bike. HTH : )