Over weight 9-yo

[JeannieOR]

Does anyone have any information on childhood obesity. Web sites, good books, organization ect... My dd has had a rapid weight gain in the last year and her ped agrees that we should be concerned. I'm totally confused about how I should approach this with her. I try to point out good food choices but now she's totally convinced I should let her eat brownies for Breakfast.

I'm floundering here and I feel like I need some professional advice.

Thanks!

[lindaM]

How is her height and weight ratio? ds who is 8 has always been off the charts for both weight and height so we've never been concerned this year his weight went up faster than his height. He is 4ft 7inches and 86 pounds. (Not sure what planet he came from dh and I are 5'6" and 5'8" so he's going to pass us by the time he is 12!!!) So we are keeping an eye on it this year. He doesn't eat bad because he is allergic to most junk food, because of the food coloring. He is very muscular from biking, karate and swimming. He thinks it is funny that he can now come running at me and pick me up. ha ha ha.

I find it very hard for a kid to go by the numbers, since they have growth spirts too.

Good Luck.

[AnnW]

You might check out Sugar Busters for Kids.
Also the American Pediatric Association has food guidelines.

You can also make simple changes like instead of white processed bread serve them whole wheat on their sandwiches. By natural peanut butter and all fruit jellies. Have fresh fruit cut up and yogurt for snacking. Carrots and lo cal ranch dressing are a good snack.
Also you don't want to get into any foods being "bad" but teach portion control and making better choices.
Does she exercise? Maybe make taking a walk, bike ride or roller blading a nightly family activities.

[RCT]

I did a search for ya....kinda scary what is out there....beware...they even have a percription drug out there for children....I think I would STAY AWAY from....I agree with Ann about NOT labeling any one food BAD...we are trying to encourage a healthy mix of food here at home....not using the word DIET for anything other than healthy eating habits....

here is a link I found with lots of other links...hope it helps...

http://www.aces.edu/issues/obesity/