I don't want my daughter to be obese...?

Question

I have a 7 year old daughter who weighs 84 pounds. I am so worried about her, and I am trying to do everything possible to help her eat better and lose weight... Diet drinks, lots of water, fruit, 100 calorie snacks, we joined the YMCA.. Anything I can think of. I just dont want her getting made fun of in school. Does anyone have a child with this problem, and what advice can you give?

Answer 1

It might be a bit early for you to be worried. It could be that it's just "baby fat," and in 3-4 years, when she starts to develop, she'll grow out of it. But to be on the safe side, you're doing the right thing by getting out in front of the (potential) problem. Developing good eating habits from childhood is crucial if you want her to grow into a healthy adult. There are a few other areas for you to pay attention to, however.

First and foremost, and I'm sure you've got this covered, but make sure that she is eating healthy during the meals served at home. She can eat fruit and 100-cal snacks 'til they come out her ears, but if you're serving chicken wings and french fries for dinner ...

Second, you have to ensure that she's eating healthy at school. Most school lunches are not what you'd call "low calorie," and worse yet, many schools allow kids to get unlimited helpings of whatever they want, so long as supplies last. Not to mention all the added sugar in the Kool-Aid and chocolate milk most schools serve. Further, kids routinely trade food at the lunch table. She also might be suckering some poor schmuck into trading his chocolate cake for her sugar-free Jell-O. If she has access to her own money, she might be loading up on Twinkies and Snickers and Cokes from the snack bar/machine. She should be taking her lunch, and snacks, every day.

Third, children that age are too young to understand WHY they need to eat healthy. Not making any accusations here, but her parents have to be leading by example. If you're healthy, and eating healthy, she's more likely to do the same.

Fourth, if she gets her meals anywhere else (grandma's house, her dad's house, friends' houses), you need to be aware of what she's eating.

Not to be alarmist here, but she might be "secretly" eating. Not that you should be putting a padlock on the refrigerator just yet, but kids that age are perfectly capable of this. I had a nephew who would get up in the middle of the night and gorge himself on whatever he could get his fat little hands on. Once he ate an entire summer sausage (one of the HUGE ones you get at Christmas time) - in one night. Poor little guy came from a seriously twisted home environment, and ate because he was depressed. Anyhow, keep any eye on your inventory levels, and if it looks like food is being eaten for no reason ...

You also might consider placing more emphasis on the exercise side of the equation. Joining the YMCA is a great start, but kids that age aren't likely to hit the treadmill or swim laps. You should encourage her to participate in organized sports - soccer, swimming and basketball, for example, are great exercise. Dance or gymnastics classes are also a possibility.

If none of this works, you should consult with your daughter's pediatrician. She might have a no-kidding metabolic disorder. The doctor will probably take the "it's just baby fat" approach, but don't be bullied. If you're doing everything right, there's no reason your child should be overweight. Overweight kids turn into overweight adults.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Your daughter may not be obese. She may be big for her age, or just a little larger than you would like for now. An 84 pound seven year old is not obese. Breathe.

I think you're on the right track to helping her stay normal. give her lots of heathy snacks, and don't let her go hungry. If she's starving, or even thinks she's a little hungry, she'll try to go in the kitchen and get something, even if it's against the rules. If she's not hungry, she won't think about food. If she does get a snack, however, be sure that only healthy options are available. If she's eating fruit instead of potato chips, she'll be healthier. It's also a good idea to give her treats every once and a while, like get ice cream on Saturday, so that way if she's offered treats at school or with friends, she won't pig out because she knows she could get this some other time.

Sports are always a good idea. Let her play whatever sports she wants, because if she enjoys them, it's good.

Whatever you do, be supportive. When she decides she wants to loose weight as she get older, be there for her.

I am an overwieght 13 year old, and I know it's really hard to be the fat kid in school. It's really hard to diet, and it sucks being fat when every other girl goes shopping and has friends and boyfriends and blah blah blah. Please take my advice, she'll thank you later.

Answer 3

Personally I feel the document was once impolite, she did not manage this good and naturally indignant you, primarily with simply pronouncing 'your youngster is overweight'. That assaults any mum or dad correct to the guts. I feel your medical professional will have to have raised her issues in a pleasant and kinder manner, I feel calling her overweight was once an excessive amount of! Remember despite the fact that it's handy for youngsters to reap weight and the change among best and overweight in youngsters may also be as low as five kilos! BMI isn't relatively a well indication of a youngster's weight, however the target posts for youngsters are unique. While an grownup with a BMI of 20 might be a best, whilst a youngster has a BMI of 20 they're viewed obese. Often a youngster who's obese or overweight can be taller than a youngster of a an identical age. A non obese youngster who's at the 98th percentile for top might have got to be on a decrease percentile for weight. Ignore your document if you happen to like and be irritated together with her, as I feel you could have each correct to do. BUT attempt to difference a few of your daughters consuming conduct due to the fact being obese at five is effectively triumph over and by the point she is 6 she may also be on monitor for a healthful maturity, each mum or dad wishes the great for his or her child and nobody demands a harsh mouthed document to quit them acheiving that!

Answer 4

First of all, I think you should change from "I don't want my daughter to be obese" to "I want my daughter to eat better and have a healthy lifestyle."

I think it is important not to alarm a 7 year old as to their weight. I would incorporate more physical activities and hobbies that the entire family can enjoy and introducing healthy eating and snacks for the entire family.

I think it is great that you are noticing there is a potential for health problems in the future and your daughter is at a great age to shape her mindset on food and exercise.

I think food is about fellowship so bring your daughter to the kitchen and allow her to help prepare the meals and then eat together as a family.

Children have fast metabolisms, so I am sure if you incorporate some swimming, evening walks, catch, hula hoops, jump rope, skates and biking in the summer she will probably take off a good amount before school starts.

Then once school starts hopefully she will develop eating habits on her own that will allow her to choose better foods or take her lunch.

Answer 5

I was very overweight as a child.

The most important thing you can do for her, is to ALWAYS give her encouragement. Lot's of praise for a job well done. Congratulate her when you see her grab an apple instead of potato chips for a snack.

Great job in helping out your daughter. Get together with other parents who have children her age, and let them go to the park together, or swim at the YMCA. Maybe soccer, or T-Ball? She is young, so if you make it FUN and show that you are PROUD of her, she should not only cooperative fully, but enjoy it also.

I weighed 100 pounds when I was 8 years old, and my parents bought me a swimming pool, signed me up for softball, and started having regular healthy family meals. With that LIFESTYLE change, I'm 20 years old now, and have only gained 40 pounds since being 8 years old. :o)

Best of luck, and much encouragement.

Answer 6

What is the rest of your family like?

Find fun activities to do together. Don't stress weight loss too much at 7, do stress healthy eating (good nutritious foods, moderate amounts). Let her pattern after you- eat several small meals a day. Those 100 calorie snacks aren't the right idea- a piece of fruit is a better choice (comes in its own wrapper, the remains deteriorate and don't clog landfills). If you eat the right amount of fruits, vegetables, and fiber, you don't have room for junk.

Answer 7

I am glad that you are looking out for your daughter. I have one suggestion: if you are trying for her to lose weight, do not let her know this. This could spiral into an eating disorder in later years. Make sure (now that it is summer) that you eat all 3 meals with your daughter. Make her low fat foods such as fish and vegetables. Ask your doctor how many calories are appropiate for weight loss. Plan your meals around this goal. Leave about 300 calories for snacks. For snacks after dinner, suggest cereal, such as Cheerios. Make low fat dinners and deserts. Also, go on walks after dinner every night. A plus: you will get a lot closer to your daughter!

Answer 8

It is great that you want your daughter be healthy, but first and for most you need to be sure you are letting her know to love herself for who she is and teach her more about self confidence. I am very petite but my daughters are built more like their fathers side of the family and work hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle, however they know that just because they are not very slim and petite they are beautiful in their own way. My girls are 17 and 11 and have many friends even if they aren't model thin. It will get her further in life than worrying about her weight in high school. You don't want your kid yo-yo dieting when they are developing. Sounds like you are doing everything right, eating, excersice. If she continues to gain weight or does not seem to be loosing any it could be a medical condition that needs to be checked.

Answer 9

hello. I can tell you that I was an obese child from the age of 8 to 16. Life was indeed very miserably for me because of people, both children and adults, constantly mentioning my weight in a negative manner. I let them take my happiness away in my childhood. Its a mean world but I learned a lot from that experience. I understand your legit concerns and I hope my advice will help you address this situation in a positive manner so she wont go through what I had to go through from negative people and those trying to make me lose weight.

First off, consult her physician about any plans you make. Now, secondly, please stay positive. NO NEGATIVE COMMENTS to her !! Please!! Negative comments like "your starting to look like a cow" or "if you eat that youre gonna be even fatter" is only going to make her find more comfort in food. Trust me. If there is anything you get out of my advice, it is "DO NOT DO DIETS....DO A LIFESTYLE CHANGE" and that will make a huge impact for the long-run. Slowly progress into a exercise and healthy eating program that becomes a habit rather than a diet.

Get rid of those diet drinks. You might be thinking that they are great but they are loaded with artificial sugars. Encourage her to always drink water when thirty. She can add flavor to water or she can drink a home-made fruit juice where you aren't pouring 20 grms of sugar into it. Keep the sugar light.

Foods: Do not deprive her of foods she loves. She is goin' to pig out when she really craves them. Instead, try to find a way to make what she loves healthy! For example, maybe she loves pizza. You can make/buy pizza that is reduced fat but still has great flavor! Maybe she doesnt like the reduced fat mayo. Encourage alternatives like mustard, ketchup or a smaller amount of the original mayo. EAT A BIG HEALTHY BREAKFAST and 4 small meals throughout the day if possible. Her body increases in metabolism. Each meal should be a balance with protein, carbs, and yes, healthy fats like olive oil. This way, her body will burn faster. Portion control is key. If she wants that chocolate chip cookie, dont let her eat too many! 90% of weight-loss is what you eat.

EXERCISE: Hurray for joining the YMCA!! She should at least get 30 mins of physical activity each day. Instead of watching TV or sitting around get her to do things she might like , like dance lessons, karate, or swimmining, etc.

SET AN EXAMPLE: Lead the way! The more things you do with her that are healthy, the more she is likely to be healhty herself. I encourage you to eat healthy foods around her and invite her for some. I encourage you to go out and have family fun doing a physical activity together. Physical activity should not bore her.You guys will enjoy it so much that you won't notice the 100s of calories you burn.

Just be an example for a healthy lifestyle and stay away from "diets". Make a lifestyle change that you know you can live with for the rest of your life rather than a diet that lasts a set of time. I hope that my advice helps you on your quest to help her. I wouldnt want anyone to go through the mental abuse I went through. Today Im a healthy active woman because I took those steps on my own. She will too. Educate her, encourage her, and join her. Happy days !!!

Answer 10

to help a child all family has to change eating and exercising habits - its what got her there in the first place.
find daily calorie intake calculator on the net, enter all your stats and it will tell you how many calories you need a day to maintain, take off 300-400cal off that number and thats how much you need to lose.
eat 5-6 small meals a day (eat every 2-3 hours - it optimizes your metabolism)
5-8 servings of fruit and veggies a day
8 glasses of water
have complex carbs for breakfast - they give you energy
have protein (lean meat, legumes etc) for dinner - repairs muscle
cardio exercise 4-6 times a week for 30-50min (ideally 45min because the first 20-30min body burns carbs and only then starts burning fat), light weight training (more muscle=faster metabolism)
dont consume foods that are made of white flour (white bread, cakes, pasta etc.), sugar loaded foods (cookies, icecream, candy etc) and nothing fried, oily.
ofcourse you can spoil yourself once in a while with a little treat:)