Do you think my daughter is overweight?

Question

My daughter is 5'3, and weighs around 130 pounds. She runs over a mile each day, and doesn't eat much, let alone junk food. But I just can't tell, do you think she is overweight? She seems to look heavier.

My daughter is 12 years-old..

I'm starting to feel guilty for asking this question...

Answer 1

Shes your daughter and you should love her no matter how she looks! That's why young girls now and days are so obsessed over their weight and looks! I'm not saying that you shouldn't care becuz of her health, but woman/ girls now and days think that they have to look a certain way in America just becuz of the magazines they read and watching TV! just don't make it a big issues for she will think that she really is overweight and she probably really isn't!

1. you gotta stay lean

Answer 2

Hi Lam, first of all, Happy Easter! Now to your question. You say that she is 5'3 and the ideal weight for that would be 10 to 15 pounds less; however, her BMI (body mass index) is around 23%, still 2% under the "overweight" categorie. But, considering that she's only 12 yrs. old, she might still have some "baby fat" and that will come off as she grows. Really! Then you are stating that she does run every day and isn't in to junk food. Exercise, like running, builds muscle and muscle mass weighs more in general. I would not worry if I was you but for your own peace of mind, why don't you take her to her pediatrician and have it checked. But whatever you decide, never ever tell her she is fat. Especially for a young girl, growing into young womanhood, this could be devastating. Her self-esteem could be damaged and that could cause her to start eating (comfort food comes to mind, which is actually a crazy term, as there is nothing comforting about over eating) and, in the long run, she will become heavier for real and that would cause even more problems. As I said, she seems fine with me and all this society hoopla about super skinny bodies is absolutely insane. Look at the models, they are, for the most part, skin and bones and many of them have eating disorders. You don't want your little girl to go through that. Some girls mature fast, some slow. All you can do is tell her how much you care and love her and that you are just concerned, hence, your trip to the doctors. Never let on that you believe she is "fat and/or unattractive". Believe me, the repercussion of such statements can follow a girl into adulthood and even then can still cause major behavioral problems as well as eating disorders. I am glad you asked here before saying something to her. Your doing good as a parent and that's how it should always be :) Take care, MsB.

Answer 3

I don't think she is overweight. She could be big boned though if you think she is bulkier than most people her age. How old is she? 130 and 5'3" sounds about average. I believe it can range anywhere from 110-145 for that height. There are lots of websites you can check on though. Check the source below in the link that I pasted. She seems pretty normal according to it and others.

If she isn't eating junk and exercises regularly, there is no need to be of concern.

I think it would worry me more that your daughter isn't eating much and is exercising a lot. This sounds a bit like anorexia in some form. Don't push her too hard to be thin.

Answer 4

it doesnt matter how much you weight - what matters is - how you look.
if you are a parent you should show example so she can fallow.
find calorie/fitness calculator on the net, enter your stats, take 300-400 calories off that number and that's how much you need to lose weight.
5-8servings of fruit and veggies a day
8 glasses of water a day
5-6 small meals instead of 3 big ones (breakfast is the most important - make sure to get complex carbs like whole wheat bread, oatmeal, fruit etc)
4-6 times a week cardio for 30-50min, light weight training, many reps
no junk food, no sodas, no alcohol, no white flour (cakes, cookies, white bread, pasta etc.), nothing high in sugar (ice cream)

Answer 5

She sounds lovely and not overweight. I would be more concerned if she was showing any other "symptoms", like gaining weight rapidly, or becoming puffy, or had muscle aches and pains....these could be anything thing from adrenals, thyroid (yes children have issues with this too), and the big one, how does she feel about her weight. Twelve is certainly tough enough as it is...tell her how beautiful she is, watch for any unusual changes and enjoy!

Answer 6

if u think she is overweight at her age and runs over a mile each day, honestly theres something wrong with u she is fine and she probably has just gained muscle doe to the running

Answer 7

I would consider it kind of overweight, but what do you mean she doesn't eat much, like how many meals and cals and what do they consist of, b/c if she eats really healthy and runs a lot, i dont think there is a problem

Answer 8

According to the attached chart she is a little overweight, however that could be modified by her bone structure, ammount of muscle (which could be from running) or any number of other factors.

The "ideal" weight is 112 lbs.

To be honest. I would not worry about it.

Answer 9

she seems to be extremely healthy and according to her bmi, which is around 23, she is normal. only over 25 is considered overweight.
however how old is she? as bmi can be improved with age.

she does alot of excercise so, this may make her appear bulkier? also does a larger frame run in your family? as this will also make her look heavier.

i hope i helped.

Answer 10

how old is she? Plus, I wouldn't worry about it, her BMI is 23 thats in the healthy range. Just encourage her to eat healthy and run, dont' give her some kind of obsession or mental health issue, she's healthy.