Suggestions for a 12yo boy?

Question

Here's the problem - my 12yo son is a big kid, he's never been on the small side. Over the past year or two, though, he's gained quite a bit of weight. He's not horribly obese, (about 5'3" and 165 lbs) but definitely more than mildly overweight.
I know the obvious solution is eating better and more exercise. But, his appetite is huge... he's not a veggie eater, fruits are ok. I need some ideas on what he can eat that's filling but not fattening.
Activity - little to none. I know, go outside and play, right? Except we live in a very isolated area with no other kids, so there's not much to do. Honestly, he's just become very lazy, would prefer to do nothing at all if given a choice. (Yes, he's seeing a counselor for depression). His boredom is a big part of the depression.Other problem is that I can't leave the house after 5pm - I have another son who is disabled, and taking him with us to a karate class or the Y isn't an option. Need some suggestions on physical activities.

Answer 1

You can't go out but you can leave the house right?

Make some skateboard ramps and buy some how to skateboard videos for him to learn from. He can't hang out watching other kids, and is he's heavy he will that much more self consious. He totally needs some skater shoes and proper clothes. Let him use your video camera to tape himself after a while and make some movies for youtube or something [can you say awesome hobby??]

TRAMPOLINE!!! They are so awesome, totally physical, and fun no matter what you do.

Are there afterschool programs he can go to? Even a chess club, computer club... anything to get him off the couch and doing something with kids his own age.

He doesn't need to change the amount he eats - just what he eats and how often. Let him eat when he's hungry, not regular meal times. Lots of no salt peanuts, low fat chips, lean meat - stay off tonnes of carbs. Think stirfry [make right - olive oil instead of heavy oil!] instead of things like chicken fingers.

Also consider getting a caregiver twice a week for a few hours for your other son. He needs to be involved in a sport - every kid does. Team activities are proven to be great for all kids. He really needs to get involved with something he considers cool [its not too late for hockey!!!!]

Answer 2

Part of the reason he eats so much is because his body - specifically his stiomach - expects that much. If you cut his meal sizes down, and have him eat like six small meals a day instead of the three regular plus snacks, his stomach (the actual stomach) will shrink down a bit and not make him hungry so often.

Check with the school - there are often a lot of events and groups that meet at or are run through the school, so you won't be having to take him anywhere, just pick him up.

Otherwise, ask his friend's parents about activities they regularly attend, and see about arranging carpool.

Get him a skateboard and a ramp - that'll get him outside.

Answer 3

The way you need to get him to exercise is trying to motivate him. You can have a discussion with him that he is eating to much and is becoming over weight. Bring him to the doctor, and they have fitness plans and nutritionists to suggest a healthier life style. He is also growing, so he does need a lot of protein and carbs, but you can buy alternitave snacks (like low-fat foods, 100 calorie packs of cookies, different types of nuts). He can also start doing after school sports or activities, which will not only give him friends, but allow him to be more active. You can set up a carpool with another parent if you are busy.

Answer 4

Is your other son physically or mentally disabled? there are services out their where someone can take you disabled child on a outing and that can give you 12 year old and you a chance to go to the y. Also if you live in a certain area there are buses that can drive your son to a y. I am physically disabled and a little mentally disabled where I live they have family services and someone comes and takes me shopping for 3 hours a week depending on your sons needs and his isp he may be able to get 4 hours or more a week. Also there is something called special sitters in my area I don't know about you area but that's where a person who is fully educated in this area will come and sit with your son for so many hours a month or as you need it.

Answer 5

Your poor son. And poor you. What a sad situation. Can you hire a sitter occasionally, or arrange for activities for your son immediately after school? Can you work with anybody else for rides, even if you pay them (like a teenager or teacher needing extra money?). You can always pick up and drop off - you don't have to sit through a class.

Answer 6

His boredom is what's fueling his obesity, because when he is bored he finds that the taste of food will occupy him. Try signing him up for something at school that interests him. Maybe on a Saturday or Sunday you can take him for a mile walk or go for a bike ride.

Answer 7

DDR is the answer here.

I was 150 lbs. about two years ago. Konami solved it right there.

You need an XBox or PS2. Then, get any DDR mix and a pad.

Then play Workout Mode ans watch the calories burn.

Answer 8

is there some type of little league sport with a coach that can take him to and from practice in the area that you know about?

Answer 9

thats about average..