My neighbors daughter is overweight, how can I help??

Question

My next door neighbors name is Becky, and she has a 10 year old daughter named Rachel. She is so nice and hyber (in a good way!) but people tease her in school about her weight. While 10 years olds are about 70 to 80 pouds Rachel is 103 pounds. She wants to lose weight, but she doesn't know how. I want to help her but I dont know what a clue to help her with! Any ideas?

Also, I forgot that Becky is so busy with her work (she has a important job as a account) she is paying me to help her work out...if that helps anyone

Answer 1

Tie a candy bar just out of reach in front of a running machine and put her on it.

Answer 2

Go for walks and play in the park. Simple things that wouldn't seem like a work out to child but keep her active and maybe have a picnic with healthy foods rather than burgers and fries. Explain to her the difference between healthy eating and unhealthy eating in a fun way ex: you could show her how to cut a apple so that you can see how the seeds on the inside make a star and then tell her how apples are a good way to snack and feel fuller longer. I know it's tough to be a child and eat healthy but it's important when a was younger I inherited type one diabetes, both my parents have and I have stronger family history of the disease. I'd hate to see a younger child get type two from simply being over weight but sadly it does happen.

Answer 3

Talk to her mother about it, because this is something that can only be effectively dealt with if the parents make some changes in their home. For example, the food thats kept in the home. When i was younger i hated the fact that my mother would give us carrots and cucumbers when we complained that we were hungry if it wasnt meal time. All my friends would have candy, chips, cookies, all the food you couldnt find in our home...but guess who is struggling with weight issues now. Also it would be good for them to cut out idle time (time spent infront of the television and computer.) My neice and nephew are only allowed one show a day, and thats at night right before bedtime. during they day the are out playing.
Also it wouldnt be a bad idea to have her get involved in fun activities like a karate class, or a swimming class.
Really all you can do is support and encourage Beky's parents to put in place measures that will help her make the right choices in food, drinks and leisure time.

I hope this helps.

Answer 4

Tell her parents to get her another sitter, one that doesn't spend so much time on the computer. Get her into a physical program, like sports or clubs where she can socialize and NOT eat out of boredom. Take her in for a complete physical from the doctor and maybe a nutrionalist, since they probably have health insurance. There might be a medical reason or try counseling for psychological issues causing her weight issues(like abandonment issues of her well meaning parents)

Answer 5

If she wants to lose the weight, then she's on the right track - she'll be open to some pointers. Try walking around the neighborhood with her, if she likes dancing, or some other sport, that's a good start. Otherwise, it's a complete diet change - more fruits and vegetables and whole grains and less junk food.

Answer 6

The mom is the key factor here. She must set the example. Keep junk food out of the house. She must show her daughter how to enjoy healthy foods. Encourage physical activity. I work at an elementary school and all the kids are jumping rope... buy her a jump rope with emphasis on how much fun it is.

Answer 7

Love her.Show compassion.We all have problems.That might be the right weight for her.You cant live in a box.Everyone is different.It is not what goes in your mouth that is bad.Its what comes out of your mouth that counts.Because what you say is who you are.Its the inside that counts.Read the bible and see what Jesus has to say about this.I'm showing you the way to life.It is in the bible in the New Testament.I give you credit for caring and loving you neighbor.You are beautiful inside.Don't listen to other people stereotypes.That's Bologna.Listen to Jesus the one who gave us His life so we could be with God the Father because all of us humans are wrong.God bless you

Answer 8

Walking with her would be a good start. Also organic fruit, say organic apples instead of junk food. Also stay away from food chains and have plenty of water for her to drink. Not tap water. Basic things will put her on a good start. Otherwise see a homepathic doctor.

Answer 9

because Rachel wants to lose weight that's a good sign. Have Her cut out all sugar and junk food. Have lots of fresh fruit available for Her to eat as snacks. air popcorn is also good as a snack without fat. Makeup vegetable platters with low fat salad dressing as a dip.

I've enclosed a few recipes that might help. If you have any further questions please let me know. Billie77

Banana Roll Treat
1 medium banana
1 Tbsp. of wheat germ
1 1/2 tsp. of honey
1 tsp. of pumpkin pie spice
1 1/4 Tbsp. of low sodium peanut butter
1 oz. of barley nugget cereal (Grape Nuts or similar)

Mix the cereal, wheat germ, and pumpkin pie spice in shallow dish. Smear peanut butter and honey on banana. Roll banana in the cereal mix to coat. Refrigerate, or eat immediately!

Bugs Bunny Hash Browns

1 tsp. safflower oil
1 medium carrot grated
1 medium potato, peeled and grated
½ small white or brown onion grated
Spike or sea salt
Cayenne pepper or black pepper to taste [optional]

Mix carrot, potato and onion, shape into round patties. In skillet slowly heat oil, add patties sauté until browned on one side. Flip over, and sauté on second side until browned.

Baked Sweet Potato Sticks

Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon paprika
8 sweet potatoes, sliced lengthwise into quarters

Directions
1 Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
2 In a large bowl, mix olive oil and paprika. Add potato sticks, and stir by hand to coat. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
3 Bake 40 minutes in the preheated oven.

Answer 10

At her age we cannot talk about diet because she isn't an adult.
She may have an eating disorder that must be seen by a doctor.
That's why she has to see a nutritionist at this age because later will be harder for her phisically and psihically.

If it isn't that bad she should avoid fast foods and too many sweets. :)