Overweight Toddler - Port Huron,MI

C.,
Have you heard of this illness in children? It's called Prader-Willi Syndrome, and it causes severe, uncontrolled overeating in children. My sister, a dentist, told me about it recently. It is often misdiagnosed, so I would Google it and find out more information so you can find out if it is a possibility, and look into getting her tested.
I do have a friend with a toddler who used to go searching in the garbage can for food- he was always so hungry. He's 2.5 now and doesn't seem to be eating as much as he had been, so he outgrew it.

Good luck,
T.

How big is your daughter?? My son is 5 months and 22lbs, 27 1/2inches long. He is off the charts as far as weight goes and has been for a while. Gains an average of 2lbs per month as well and wears a size 18 month clothing. What has the dr. said about your daughter? My pedi. tells me my son will eventually thin out not to worry.

There is a risk of your child getting diabetes if you've had gestational diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes (often called childhood onset) usually does not cause obesity.

Type 2 diabetes (adult onset) is caused by a lifestyle of inactivity and obesity. However unlike Type 1 diabetes, it is TOTALLY reversible and controllable with lifestyle (exercise, loosing weight and eating healthfully). I doubt that your toddler is overweight enough to have this type of diabetes, though children CAN get it, they are usually older and severely overweight.

As far as her having something medically wrong with her, I'd say if weight gain is the only symptom, there probably is not. Focus on getting her to eat right and exercise and see what happens. If she's doing that, and still the weight piles on, then you should pursue a medical problem.

As far as watching her diet. First, she should not be eating refined carbohydrates like sugar, corn syrup, white flour (found in breads, pastas and prepackaged foods) etc in excess. Small amounts of these are fine, but unfortunately our American diet is full of this stuff, so its very easy to over do it. Look for whole grain cereals with no added sugar (cheerios - origional in yellow box, or corn, rice and wheat chex are GREAT options). Also limit the amount of milk, juice, soda, or coolaid she drinks. These are full of sugar! Eating fresh fruit is MUCH BETTER then drinking fruit juice, even if its 100% juice - which many are not. Learn to drink water! Soda is ONLY for a special treat. And always get whole wheat bread!!! Avoid things like pop tarts, chips, snacks in general. Anything in a crinkly bag basically. You don't want to eliminate carbohydrates as many people suggest, but eliminate processed/refined carbs and replace them with whole grains and legumes (beans).

Secondly avoid excess fats. Avoid fast food across the board. We all need fat in our diet, but try to limit the fats you add to foods. Be sure to buy lean meats, and don't add fat when cooking them. Try some soy meat substitutes to cut down on saturated fats! Especially if you want to serve things like hot dogs and nuggets, the soy ones are much healthier for her - though even they are not something she should eat daily. Keep dairy products to a minimum. These have lots of fat in them. Try putting sliced avocado on a sandwich instead of the cheese. Its a much healthier fat source!

Thirdly - Focus on fresh fruits and vegetables. No one gets fat eating salad (unless its topped with meats, tons of dressing and cheeses), so have lots of fresh stuff for her to eat along with the rest of her meal. You don't have to limit the quantity of what you eat if its healthy, so limit the meats and refined carbohydrates, and give lots of vegetables.

Lastly get her moving! Limit TV/video game/book reading time to about 30 min a day. Have her run around and play, a ball to kick in the back yard can provide lots of fun - especially if you play with her.

Best wishes. You're not alone, and you can do this!

Was she tested for diabetes? I would definitely take her to a pediatric endocrinologist, as Amanda suggested.

You say that you're on your third doctor, but has anyone referred you to a specialist? If it is hormonal, I would think you need to see an pediatric endocrinologist. They are likely going to give some tough scrutiny to her diet and activity level before running too many tests.

There are links between gestational diabetes and higher birth weight...but I understood that it levelled out over time.

I guess the question is...is she fat...or is she just big? I know a three year old that is in size 5 clothings but she is in no way fat. She is just a big, tall, solid girl.

Good luck. I hope you find the answers you need.

I second the recommendation to see a pediatric endocrinologist. University of MI, in A. Arbor may have the type of Doctor you want. Feel free to phone Univ. of MIchigan, their triage nurses on the phone line are excellent.

Could she have a gluten allergy? I know many people who gain weight to find out later they have a sensitivity to gluten (wheat).

Of course the way to have a health life is: burn more calories than taking in, drink water (1/2 the weight in ounces), fresh fruits and vegetables and a high quality multivitamin is always a plus. When one gives the body good things 80% of the time, the body's metabolism moves faster naturally and less cravings.

I just wanted to wish you luck.
I think the advise the other moms gave was great and on target.
I say trust your mommy instincts and keep looking into this. I think the mom that mentioned Prader-Willi Syndrome, might be on to something. It's the first idea that came into my mind when I read your question. OR it could be nothing and she could just be in a major growth spurt! Take care and good luck!!! Don't worry to much yet, it could be nothing at all. My daughter was off the charts for a while and now she is fine and dandy!

Go see this pediatrician he is in with like 6 others request him only you may have to wait but who cares. His name is Ashraf Berry he is awesome my daughter has been over weight and he looked into it with my concerns more than once. She is now in with a team because they found out she has nothing medically wrong with her but they have her excersise and eating better. She is heavy enough h is on a border line of having diabetes and it runs int he family. But see him for a physical and tell him you want ever test there is to be doen to find out why she gains weight. Let him know your concerns he listens. His number at the warren office is ###-###-#### and there is another office in clinton township. Make sure you ask for Berry only. Hes the only one I trust in that practice.

I would agree with the other posts about taking her to a doctor. You might want to bring a copy of this New York Times article from last week.

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A0CE5DC1E...