Girl moms - how much weight gain during puberty?
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Anonymous
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My DD just had her 12yo check up and I was shocked to see that she gained 20 lbs in one year (current weight is 130). She has always been in the 95th-100% for weight but is now off the charts. She is also 5’3” for height reference and grew 3 inches in the past year.
The doctor didn’t seem overly concerned and talked to her about the importance of being active and eating healthy, but that was pretty much it. She is definitely chubby but does not look overly heavy (doesn’t have a big belly, just a thicker body type which matches my MILs shape). Has anyone else experienced this kind of weight gain? The doctor said she could have a growth spurt soon and her height may catch up. She has not gotten her period yet but the doctor thinks it’s coming soon. I am very worried for her overall health and am surprised the doctor didn’t seem phased. |
Anonymous
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We did not see a weight gain. But I do think it’s common to gain weight before a growth spurt.
I’m sure your doctor is also concerned about eating disorders so has had a measured reaction. But really it might be a growth spurt. |
Anonymous
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Why do you think you know better than a doctor who sees kids all day every day? If the doctor isn't worried, then you don't worry. Girls grow out, then up over and over. Maybe she's in an "out" phase at the moment, and an "up" phase is coming.
Or maybe shell just always be on the thicker side. |
Anonymous
| I was about 130 and 5'5" and definitely "athletic" looking if not overweight. Maybe she's about to grow taller? I am 5'6.5" and the same weight as an adult though I could lose 5-10lbs to look better. |
Anonymous
| Our DD gained a lot of weight. Everyone in our family had a tween chubby phase. For DH and DD's grandmother, it lasted into 9th grade, we are still in it in middle school. For yours, I would be more concerned after the growth spurt than before it. And with 1st period. Might be soon at that age/weight. We bought about 10 pairs of Thinx. They take days to dry, use 2-3/day. |
Anonymous
| My kid went from ped conversations multiple years in a row about her being underweight to gaining 20 lbs per year from 11 to 13. (Ending around 125 at 5’4”.) She’s now 14 and weight seems to have leveled off - she’s not very active so we are way more focused on moving her body for health than on her weight. |
Anonymous
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5.3 130 is in the normal range. I am 5.2 and have been as large as 127 and was still comfortably in the normal range. I felt chubby and was unhappy with my weight, having always been about 10-15 pounds lighter, but I wasn't unhealthy at all.
I think being fit and healthy and chubby is the default for some people and fighting that leads to disordered eating, which can can slow metabolism leading to becoming actually overweight and having actual health concerns. Can you help her be active and eat well and be comfortable with her normal size even even if it's chubby. Plus the life long mental and emotional toll of emotional eating I wouldn't wish on anyone |
Anonymous
That's overweight for a child that age and height, but not terribly overweight. I wouldn't criticize her weight, but instead change what you are feeding her or allowing to be had in the house, and get out and do some physical activity with her, rather than just telling her she needs to get into shape while you do nothing. In other words lead by example. Say how you need to get into shape yourself, and want her to join you so you feel safe, have an exercise partner, etc. A bonus is you get to spend quality time with her. |
Anonymous
Not OP but doctors know very little about nutrition and health. They are trained mostly to recognize which drugs to prescribe for which maladies, along with basic A&P. |
Anonymous
Yeah, unless your child is really obese, pediatricians are afraid to talk about weight gain. Parents get upset, the girls get upset, then there’s the concern for eating disorder…they just leave it alone. They will say some generic lines about being sure to stay active, eating fruits and vegetables every day, limit soda (maybe), but that is it. |
Anonymous
Coming your adult woman weight to a prepubescent 12 yr old isn’t an equal comparison. A 12 yr old that is 5’3” and 130 is in the 90th percentile for BMI. The definition of being overweight for kids/teens is if they fall in the 85th-95th percentile for BMI |
Anonymous
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mine gained about that much at that age check up 15-20 lbs, but had also grown several inches. She was probably 5'5 or 5'6. It can be a period of filling out!
She has grown another couple of inches and gained a bit more weight. There is a whole range of growth patterns! |
Anonymous
| a 5'3, 130 pound 12 year old girl is not "prepubescent". She will get her period any day now. She is likely done growing. |
Anonymous
| I would be mindful of what food you are buying. She is likely very close to getting her period and once that happens she isn’t going to get much taller and will likely gain more weight. It’s pretty common for girls to put on weight in the 2 yrs following the start of their period- without much added height. They just fill out more. Not all girls though- you never know. All you can do is provide heathy foods, limit junk you buy, and encourage actively |
Anonymous
| I love how you threw your MIL under the bus… well played. |