Re: Weight loss for 9 year old

[Guest guest]

Thanks everyone for the GREAT discussion!!

Just a few points is that this child’s parents are BOTH well-respected family

physicians. It is the child herself that decided she needed to lose a little

weight and not her parents. But they support her and tell her on a regular

basis that she looks fine, etc... Her Mom said one of her biggest problems is

portion control. She is 9 years old so when she is hungry she eats. How do you

teach a 9 year old that it is OK to feel hungry at times or how do you help them

to monitor that? From what she has said her nutritional intake isn’t too bad

but it is eating too much that seems to be somewhat of a problem. As an adult

when you are hungry but know you shouldn’t eat you can reason with yourself

and know it isn’t time to eat, etc... But what do you do with a 9 year old in

that situation? That is the type of guidance the parents are looking for. She

did mention that she keeps a food journal and gives herself a happy or sad face

depending how she does for the day. In addition she weighs herself frequently.

How do you tell a 9 year old not to keep a food journal when she is trying to

eat better by paying attention to what she is doing? And how do you guide them

not to worry about their weight when they obviously do? She has sisters who are

thinner and wants to look better in her summer bating suit. Though she is still

eating plenty so she isn’t doing anything drastic. I am used to working with

adults only so kids seem to be a whole different world!!

Again, I am not counseling them! Was not asked to do that. Her Mom is my

doctor and she just brought it up at my last visit knowing I am an RD. Knowing

I am an author the discussion was more about are there any books out there to

help and if not I should think about writing one.

Thanks again!

Kim Tessmer, RD LD

[Guest guest]

I agree, there must be something bigger at play here. This thread has been very

timely and I will utilize the advice here and seek a psychology consult for this

child, also. Thanks.

> >

> > What are your best recommendations for a parent of a child that is 9 years

old

> >and just slightly over weight but wanting to take it off.

> >

> > It isn't the parents that are worried about it but the child. She even on

her

> >own started a food journal.

> > Any good websites, books, etc... that I can refer them to that would be for

> >either the parent OR child? This is not a patient or client of mine just

someone

> >that asked for a little advice and I am trying to send them in the right

> >direction. Her mother is actually a family physician and was wondering what

> >might be out there if anything to help them out a bit!

> > Thanks,

> > Kim Tessmer, RD LD

> >

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