Weight Problems - Rosemead,CA

She may be about to shoot up a few inches. I'd worry about that kind of gain if she were already at her max height but at 11 years old I doubt that she's all done getting taller. In my family, kids always got a little chunky right before getting taller. Then came the growing pains and bad moods but the weight distributed just fine.

I would talk to her doctor about it. That sounds like a lot and huge weight gain could it have possibly been some mistake? Also home cooked meals can be fattening combined with large portions, maybe advice from a nutritionist could provide help. I am 5 foot 3 and weighed 145 pounds 9 months pregnant. I am also healthy looking not skinny either.

I would not be conserned about the weight (some people are just heavier, I weigh a lot more the what I look and am healthy at my weight despite techniqully being overweight) I would be concerned about the short time she gained it in though. You should talk to her doctor.

You can't go by BMI for starters- especially in kids. I would take a more accurate form of body fat percentage if you are concerned. Even then I would think long and hard before restricting calories and definitely consult doctors first. I think at that age they are getting ready to grow taller. I know my brother and I seemed to always gain weight first and then sprout up and skinny out. I would simply focus on nutrition and exercise together as a family and see how her growth is going. If she is truly concerned take her to see a trainer at a gym who can take her body fat with callipers or even better a gym or doc's office with a "bod pod." That will give you true body fat percentage. According to the BMI my husband and I are obese. OBESE! In reality we are some of the fittest people I know with very low body fat percentages, well within the normal range. BMI does not account for how much weight is muscle and how much is fat. Body types are very different. I know I weigh more than I used to by about 10 pounds but I fit in the same clothes and I'm stronger. No one can really say whether or not your daughter's height and weight are ok without seeing her, knowing her body fat percentage, calorie intake etc... And please don't restrict her protein and fat! That is 1980's baloney. Likewise don't restrict all her carbs as has been popular in recent times. She needs healthy carbs, protein, and good fats to grow an be healthy. Try counting calories for a few days so you can get a real idea of what she is consuming. But honestly every body is different and she shouldn't focus so much on the number.

That sounds heavy for someone who is 4'11. And that is a huge weight gain in such a short period of time. I read in one of your previous questions that your daughter is hairy. Is it possible that she has some kind of endocrinological imbalance?

I'd also be a little skeptical about the 143 lbs. Was she wearing her clothes and shoes when they took her weight? And was it after lunch time? She might be closer to 135 lbs. Definitely bring it up with her doctor though. She's at a perfect age to implement healthier eating and exercise habits.

That is too much for a child that age. If it were me, I would seek the help of the pedi and nutritionist.

Something is wrong with that much gain if she does not eat junk and has home cooked meals. Look into what you are putting into the home cooked meals.

I am 5'5", just turned 50, pass for 35 and weigh in about 116". My 17 yr old is 5'5" active cheerleader and weighs in at 112#. My highest weight was when I was pregnant and that was not close to 140#.

Granted, everyone is different. Foods should be eaten in moderation.

In your case, i'd be having some blood work done, get physical testing for her endurance, checking her heart, etc and working hands on with a nurtritionists.

Moms on here are just that Moms. We care deeply for our children and only we know our children best. We are not Dr's and your issue needs Dr. involvement.

Best wishes to you.

im 5 foot and iv weighed everything from 89lbs up to 125, my perfect weight was 118.. im 29 weeks pregnant and i weigheed 158 at my last doc appointment.. and im friggin huge i look like i could pop tomorrow.. on the other hand my cousin is at least 4 inches taller than me and weighs 115 and looks completley healthy not gross skinny still has meat on her bones
weight just looks different on everyone.. ive always been told muscle is heavier than fat .. as long as she doesnt look overweight and unhealthy i would not at all be concerned about the # on the scale

http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/welcome/bmi_results.html?y...

Okay, so I did this quickly with the info provided, it says she is considered overweight, but keep in mind as well that this is math not taking into account her body shape and how she holds the weight. So, I would be concerned with the gain but I would not focus on it. If she has concerns then suggest that the two of you go for a 20 min walk after dinner and together stop drinking soda or stop eating anything fried or something along those lines, but do it together. She needs a role model and a partner in this not someone agreeing that she is fat and needs to do this alone. I know that is not your intention, but sometimes our best intentions cause the most harm. So, again I suggest you BOTH do something together, remove something frivilous from your diet (soda, fried foods etc) or do a smoothie for breakfast (with TONS of nutrients in it like kale, flax seed etc), but choose ONE medium sized thing to do and do it together. Keep in mind as well that puberty (as others have suggested) and the possibility of a body shape change or body size (growth spurt) may be happening too. I know my neice is one to "pack on the pounds" then shoot up like a bean pole! No matter what you do approach this as a team, model good behaivior regarding food and take on the task together.

My 18 year old is about 5"10, and app. 135 pounds. My 14 is 6'2 pushing 6'3, and weighs (I kid you not) 143-145 lbs (he needs to gain obviously).

Your daughter's weight sounds "off" for her age and height. I've seen girls in my son's peer groups with similar problems (so don't feel alone). I can't figure out what is going on with our girls. *Something* is happening.

I would get to an integrative physician and nutritionist, and figure out exactly what is going on (via blood work, stool testing, etc.). I would resolve to quit eating franken-food, even at home (no genetically modified, chemical laden food). I would endeavor to eat whole foods, preferably organic, as often as possible. I would do everything in my power to cut out processed sugar (even in healthy food). I would look into how much soy my kid is eating (phyto-estrogenic issues there) and talk to a professional about that.

The last thing I would do is make my daughter feel bad about what is happening. It is very likely that she cannot help it. Nor can you, without a great deal more knowledge. The mega food manufacturers have the deck stacked against us imho.

I would consider consulting with these professionals by myself first, so as to avoid any finger-pointing or blaming towards me or my child.

I would also investigate diabetes, hyperinsulinemia (sp?), and any other blood sugar issues.

Good luck.

30 pounds is a VERY large weight gain for an 11 year old, even if she's getting ready for a growth spurt. And yes, she does sound quite heavy for her height and age. I'm 5'4" and she weighs what I did in my thirties!

I would start looking at what it is you're cooking at home. Is her diet is high in fat and calories? Does she eat large portions, or snack a lot? Even healthy food can pack on the pounds, especially if you're eating too much.

Cut out the fried food, creamy, cheesy type dishes and eat less meat. Don't buy soda, chips or fruit juice/energy drinks (lots of empty calories there!) Don't keep desserts around the house, especially the packaged, processed ones. Instead make it a special treat. Take her out for an ice cream cone once a week, something like that.
Cook with lots of veggies and fruits, whole grains, and use less butter, cheese and oil. Most importantly, READ LABELS. Just because a package says healthy, natural or organic that means NOTHING. Always look at the calorie and fat content.

I would take her to her regular doctor. This is a lot of weight to gain in a short amount of time. Has she grown any taller in this time? I would want to be sure there isn't some type of physical problem such as thyroid, or growth hormone deficiency, or something like that.

My daughter is 10 and she is 4'10" and weighs 90 lbs, which is right in the normal range. 143 is definitely overweight (no matter her "build").

What did the doctor say about this? Personally I'd be concerned about a child putting on so much weight in such a short period of time but I would be equally concerned about putting a child on a diet. Instead I'd probably approach it as 'You know I'm getting older and need to make some changes so I can be healthy and be around for a long time. I'm going to need your help so we'll work together to cook healthier meals and get moving to get some exercise.' Your whole family will reap the benefits together of living a healthier lifestyle.

Yes, 143lbs is too much for an 11 year old to weigh, especially one who is under 5 feet tall. Go to http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/dnpabmi/ and use the bmi calculator that is specific for children.

My biggest concern, however is that she increased her weight by nearly 30% in 8 months! That is not healthy.

I'd follow up with her doctor. Get a referral to a nutritionist. You'll need to look at WHAT she eats... simply not eating candy doesn't mean she's eating healthily. There are lots of "home cooked meals" that are unhealthy for little girls... or perhaps she's just eating too much.

Also, work on getting her more active. How about a family bike ride or walk through the neighborhood in the evenings after dinner? Summer's coming, maybe a family pass to the local pool? How about a mom and daughter yoga date in the living room with a dvd or a workout streamed from Netflix?

Please follow up with her doctor. Don't let this go. Weight is NOT an issue of esthetics, you need to make sure your little girl stays HEALTHY.

HTH
T.

As the daughter of a doctor, I can tell you that a 31 pound weight gain in 8 months is a little odd, but she may be growing through a growth spurt. As she gotten any taller since September? Weight factors revolve a lot on diet, but also equally to hereditary as well. Did you or any relatives have a massive weight gain in 8 months? Are growth spurts common at this age between you and your husband's lineage? I would also consult with your physician for further confirmation and a check up just to make sure that everything is okay - it is not normally for that amount of weight unless she has grown a few inches and going through a growth spurt.

Additional info is needed here E.. What kind of homecooked meals are you making? McDonalds does not corner the market on bad nutrition for kids. If I were you I would take a good look at what you are serving her and compare it to what is considered a healthy diet. For example: does your homecooked meals include lots of red meat and starchy foods such as white rice, white pasta and potatoes? How big are the servings sizes that she eats? What kind of sugar is available to her in all forms (soft drinks, sweets, breakfast cereals) These are just some of the ways where you can go astray eating home cooked.
I also urge you to not make this a big deal with her. Make any menu and lifestyle changes that you need to make without talking about it. If she questions it just tell her that your doctor told you to start eating really healthy. It can take a lifetime for a girl to recover from the poor body image that being an overweight teen can produce.

Hi E.-

I would tread VERY softly here...

I was about your daughter's age (back when oxygen was discovered...LOL) when PE classes were divided into 'weight' classes (for the presidential fitness tests as I recollect). Anyway, I was tall for my age...but ended up in a class based on my weight. I was in a class with very heavy young ladies. I 'perceived' myself as a heavy young lady. Kids (being kids) nick named me 'mich elephant'...**sigh**

When I look back on pictures from then...I was a stick figure 5' 8" kiddo...convinced I was an 'elephant'

I would be inclined to take daughter to her 'regular' pediatrician (assuming this was a school physical with some other doc)...OR back to this doc to discuss HER concerns with someone 'professional' (read...not emotionally tied in).

This way...she (your daughter) has control of her questions/concerns...she is hearing info from an 'objective' party...and hopefully her concerns will be alleviated...or good suggestions will be made!

Best Luck!
michele/cat

Whoa. 143lbs at 4'11''.

I'd ask a doctor about this and see a nutritionist.

Evaluate again the home cooked meal, I guess. Less fried food, or if you want to fry use only canola or coconut oil. I ate home cooked meal, but my mom fried everything so I was diagnosed with high cholesterol and trigliserid when I was just 17 years old!
Also, don't drink water after meal. Water first then meal. No no to cold water and soda and coffee. My son never drink soda, my hubby and I never drink coffee since years ago.
Get her to move, how if you buy her Zumba for kids and enjoy together!
Maybe she eats healthy at home, but how if she is sneaky eating the foods you don't allow behind your back? Because my sister bought lots ofsnacks and eat them when my mom was out.
If all of this doesn't work, maybe should go to doctor and evaluate her metabolism. Good luck!

Sounds too heavy to me.
I'd really analyze those home cooked meals, and definitely make portion control a priority.

Where is she puberty wise? It's not uncommon for girls to gain weight right before they start growing hips and boobs...

It's a VERY complicated and vulnerable age, physically amd emotionally. IF you're concerned touch base with her regular doctor and if you're still concerned after that touch based with a pediatric endrocinologist!

That's a lot of weight in a short time and for such a small girl. What exactly is she eating? Check out what you're putting in the home meals, do you use a lot of msg or other sodiums/chemicals? This can cause problems for a lot of people. Maybe she's eating things you're not aware of. Maybe it's hormones. She may be an emotional eater and eating things like especially sweets when you're not knowing about it. I'd start by taking her to another dr. and address this with him/her. This may just be a rough stage for her.
I have a niece that became heavy in her teen years and early 20's but now in her mid 20's she's slim and happy. She just did more excerise and change her eating to less sugars.

First thing that comes to my mind is how is she built? If she's very muscular it could be okay, as we all know muscle weighs more than fat. If you're really concerned you should probably take her to see her doctor to be sure.

Call your pediatrician and ask if he knows a nutritionist.
Also they say that muscle weighs more than fat.
Unless she is very active in sports or dance or yoga. I would not worry.

no-she needs further testing/treatment-100 lbs would be more like it. Good luck!

I think the question is if she looks healthy/over weight.
Because sometimes muscles weight more or simply big bone.
But it wouldnt hurt to ask your doctor. :-)

Updated

That is a really big weight gain in 9 months and something to be concerned about because it is way too much for such a short period of time and too much for an 11 year old under 5 feet tall. (My son is 9 1/2 and he is 4' 11" and weighs 85 pounds). My niece is 12 years old and 5' 3" and weighs 145 pounds and her doctor is going crazy trying to get her to lose weight. She should be closer to 120 pounds. She started seeing a nutritionist and we talked to her about making good food choices. Definitely talk to the doctor and to a nutritionist. Check to see if your daughter has a thyroid or some other problem that would cause weight gain in a short period of time. Ask your daughter what she is eating at school that you don't know about. If it is not a medical issue causing this, your daughter may just need some more exercise and some portion control to get her to a more healthy weight. The more weight she gains when she is a teenager the harder it will be to stay at a healthy weight as an adult. Take a look at your home cooked meals and see where you can make them healthier too. Read about what size portions you should be eating. Eat more veggies and fruit. Eat more chicken and fish and less red meat. See where you can substitute some items for healthier choices. My mother in law makes really healthy steamed spinach but then she puts full fat sour cream all over it. I keep explaining that it tastes good and it's healthier without the sour cream. Instead of using butter on baked potatoes, my mother uses some olive oil. It still tastes good but the olive oil is healthier than the butter. There are a lot of other simple change you can make to help your daughter and the rest of the family eat healthier. Good luck! Hope this helps.