I don't know if this is a big concern or not. I have some moms tell me don't worry he'll grow out of it, then others say I should worry and do more. So I thought I'd put it out here and get some feedback.
Our 5-1/2 year old son, Gabriel, took a huge weight hike from 4 to 5 years old. He went from about 85th percentile weight (where he'd been since 1 year old) to just over 100th percentile. He's now 46" tall and 64 lbs. The doctor said he should be about 10 lbs. less than he is. Since his 5-year appointment in October, we have made a lot of changes to assist with a healthier diet. Almost eliminating refined sugars, eliminating juice, making sure he eats breakfast, portioning food so he doesn't overeat one thing, eliminating all dairy, adding more fruits and vegetables. Even with all these changes, he's stayed just over the 100th percentile for weight.
The crazy thing is, this kid is a picky eater. Our 2-year-old eats more at one sitting than his older brother. Although I do admit he eats more carbs than he should, but he basically refuses to eat lean meats or even soy products. Also, Gabriel is super active. This past weekend we went to the mountains, and when we went hiking he was the only one who did not run out of steam -- after 3 hours of hiking in 90 degree heat. He spent the rest of the afternoon running around the cabin while we tried to recover.
Both my husband and myself were skinny children. Although I have developed a thyroid problem later in life, it did not effect me when I was young. Our younger son is huge and also off the charts for weight, but has been so since about 3 months old so the doctor isn't worried. Gabriel had issues early on with not gaining fast enough as a baby. He started out at 25th percentile weight, and gradually went up to 85th percentile in one year.
I just don't know what to do anymore. The doctor said more activity, but he gets a lot of exercise. Not a day goes by that he doesn't spend at least an hour at the park, and on weekends it's more like 3 hours. I have done a lot with his diet, but perhaps I can do more.
I would really appreciate any suggestions or feedback. Especially from moms of boys who have been through the same thing.
Thanks!
B.
P.S. I actually have a record of my weight at the same age, and I was 60th percentile for weight and height. Gabriel is 80th percentile for height, so he's not short but not huge.
8/4/08
I wanted to add another update... so just when we were accepting that our son was a bit chunky, he shot up like a beansprout. He's now moving into a normal weight appearance. I guess he is one of those kids who gets chunky right before growing. Good to know.
7/15/08
Thank you everybody for your input! I have discussed this with his pediatrician, and he also said that my son is doing fine. He's only gained 3 lbs. in the last 9 months, but grown nearly 3 inches. The doctor said that he could still stand to lose 5 lbs, but since we are encouraging healthy eating, and he's getting a lot of exercise, he too believes that Gabriel is headed in the right direction. He agreed that I should not go overboard as it can create a stigma for Gabriel.
I got a letter from the school district yesterday telling me they measured the kids BMI and our son falls in the category of overweight. But then my husband reminded me that he himself is considered overweight, although anybody who looked at him would call him thin. And I myself weighed 180 lbs. when I fit into a size 8 (I'm 5'6"). So I think our family has a high muscle ratio, and those BMI numbers aren't working for us. Focusing on body fat percentage is probably a better way to go. Both our kids are like little tanks and sooooo strong.
I appreciate the feedback. I know we're doing a lot, and we will continue to do what we can to ensure he is eating healthy and staying active.
Take care,
B.
More Answers
N.D.
answers from
Reno
on
If he is eating a well balanced diet and getting plenty of exercise then I would not be too concerned at this point. I only say this because my daughter who is about to be 9 was a chunky baby and child and the doc was always concerned for her weight, I did the drastic diet changes in my house and made "play" time last for at least an hour or more a day (biking, basketball, swimming). Still she just was chunky no matter what I did, they even tested her for thyroid issues. In the last six months she has dropped almost 15 pounds, grown 3 inches and is about 10 pounds above the average. I am no longer concerned, it seems that she just needed more time to grow into herself then other children did. If your son is healthy and you have done all you can then I say that he and his brother will both just grow into it. Keep a healthy diet in the lives and make exercise more "play" with the entire family. Good luck to you all.
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L.B.
answers from
Los Angeles
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My non-professional opinion is if you are being careful about what he eats and if you are having him be active each day, than I wouldn't worry about it. I remember someone telling me that they would watch their kids kind of chub out and then all of a sudden their pants were too short. I have noticed this somewhat with my kids. I would also not make a huge deal about the weight to your son (I'm not saying that you have). I would just encourage a healthy life-style. My 9 year old has a few too many pounds and we are working on increasing the active time he has. We are having him do pushups and situps and sprints to give him goals to shoot for, as well as riding bikes, scooters, etc.
It sounds like you are doing good things and that he will probably grow into his weight in the next couple of years.
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H.P.
answers from
Los Angeles
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Hi B.,
i know exactly what your talking about. also, we have great taste in names for our boys;D
my son now 7 1/2 has ALWAYS been above the percentiles. now at this age he comes up to my shoulders. i am about 5'6. he has stayed a consist weight for the last year and a half or so. yes his ped. has told me i need to put him on diets and what not, but i dont believe that active children or any child needs to be on a diet. the only diet i choose for him and the rest of our family is to make wise food choices. this simply because if he is prone to carry weight i want him to learn now how to eat now, instead of later.
i think you are doing a great job. it sounds to me that he will grow into himself within the next year or so. that big of a weight gain takes time to even itself out. if i were you i would just wait to see how the next year goes. he should be getting another growth spurt soon :D
hope this helps...good luck
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S.B.
answers from
Los Angeles
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Hi B.!
I totally understand. Good for you for being diligent in handling this problem. I have a couple of ideas. First of all, is he eating things like chicken nuggets? Those are horrible. Lots of fat, breading, etc. Also, the fact that he eats lots of carbs isn't good. I just wouldn't feed them to him. Don't give him a choice. If he doesn't want them, fine. Eventually he'll have to eat and when he does he'll have healthy food in front of him. Also, you can try mixing food together. Make some ground beef with vegetables and tomato sauce all mixed together. That kind of thing. Chicken, broccoli and rice mixed together all in one bowl. He really needs protein. Also, if you give him bread, try Ezekiel bread as it has a better balance of protein to carbs. Good luck!
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L.C.
answers from
Los Angeles
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I am not a doctor so I can't give you a definite answer but my brother went through a "chubby" stage. He was a "thin" baby and young boy then got fairly chubby. Apparently boys store up some chubbiness then SHOOT UP! It took my brother a while - we all thought there may be something going on - but like your son, he ate well and was very active. I woudl say it lasted through his elementary years then in Junior High started to grow into it. Eventually he had a big growth spurt (now 6'4") and is perfectly proportioned.
I would listen to your doctor and make sure you're doing the best for your son as possible but also give your son some time. You want to be aware of it but pressuring him about weight at such a young age could be hard for him too...
