8-yo DS weight loss 'hit a plateau' - need suggestions/ideas

[Anonymous]

He was doing really well, had made steady progress for about 6 months, then last several weeks his weight started to fluctuate a bit, and even creeping upward. His waist has grown about .25 - .5 inches which I believe is the best telltale sign of where this is heading. We cut back his carbs intake and milk by half based on his doctor's recommendations, and it had worked wonders, until recently. His physical activities have increased since it's warmer now, but I know the more the better. I'm mostly interested in ideas and tips on the eating part as I don't want to keep cutting back what he eats if at all possible.

FWIW, he is now at around 96/97, down from as high as 105 end of last summer. He's 57inches tall and otherwise a typical healthy boy.

[Anonymous]

It kind of depends on what contirbuted to the obesity in the first place.

Was it what he eats? Or how much he eats? Or when he eats? Or why he eats? Or with whom he eats?

Where does he have access to food? Does he buy lunch at school? Get snacks from friends?

It could be something in his life changed and he is eating more or less healthy without you knowing.

[Anonymous]

Lots of physical activities is best. What sports does he do? Right now mine does
soccer practice 1x week
Soccer game 1x week
Baseball practice 2x week
Baseball game 1x week
Karate 2 x per week
Swimming 2x per week

[Anonymous]

He's 57 inches at 8 years old? 4 feet 9 inches?

[Anonymous]

I lost a lot of weight doing the following:

-Smaller plates and bowls

-Every meal I focused on the following for my plate 1/4 protein and carb
1/2 plate veggie or fruit

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:He was doing really well, had made steady progress for about 6 months, then last several weeks his weight started to fluctuate a bit, and even creeping upward. His waist has grown about .25 - .5 inches which I believe is the best telltale sign of where this is heading. We cut back his carbs intake and milk by half based on his doctor's recommendations, and it had worked wonders, until recently. His physical activities have increased since it's warmer now, but I know the more the better. I'm mostly interested in ideas and tips on the eating part as I don't want to keep cutting back what he eats if at all possible.

FWIW, he is now at around 96/97, down from as high as 105 end of last summer. He's 57inches tall and otherwise a typical healthy boy.

Cut out all caloric drinks. Can you walk to school some days? Walk after dinner? Find sweet summer fruits. Buy a yonana machine for frozen banana "dessert".

[Anonymous]

how was eating around Easter / Spring Break? We had family visiting - lots of snacks and a bit more candy than we normally allow.

[Anonymous]

Well he's a big eater, I don't think that surprises anyone. The ped suggested we try to fill him up with fiber and protein instead of carbs, so his big appetite could be satisfied, and that's what we did, and was working really well.

I don't believe he gets snack or food from friends. We pack lunch 4 days a week and he buys lunch one day a week - usually on Friday so it's pizza...

Yes, he's 8 and 57-in tall, but turns 9 in Sept.

We don't do any calorie drinks, except 1/2-% milk one cup a day. When we eat out everyone routinely gets water, though maybe once a month he gets soda.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lots of physical activities is best. What sports does he do? Right now mine does
soccer practice 1x week
Soccer game 1x week
Baseball practice 2x week
Baseball game 1x week
Karate 2 x per week
Swimming 2x per week

I think that's an insane schedule, overweight or not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lots of physical activities is best. What sports does he do? Right now mine does
soccer practice 1x week
Soccer game 1x week
Baseball practice 2x week
Baseball game 1x week
Karate 2 x per week
Swimming 2x per week

How does your 8 yo have time to do all this?

[Anonymous]

What is a normal breakfast for example? Are you doing cereal or toast or something like eggs and lean meat with some oatmeal etc and fruit which might be better. What do you send for lunch? How is his hunger? I would get in as many veggies as you can even if they are salted and with butter and oil for taste that's better than many other kid foods.
Make sure you still take him out for treats, ice cream etc. here and there so he feels satisfied. Good job on all the progress so far.

[Anonymous]

Protein can be bad fat or good fat. It could just be what he has been eating isn't as healthy or he is eating more of it.

Sounds like portion control might be important, with a couple protein snacks throughout the day. Give him a hearty protein rich but low fat breakfast

[Anonymous]

OP, is your son really even overweight? I mean, he sounds big and tall, but if he were 11 years old, that weight for that height would be totally normal wouldn't it?

What's his BMI?

[Anonymous]

My kids have long days and are out of the house from 7:00 a.m. - 6/6:30 p.m. on weekdays, which prevents grazing in the refrigerator. They play lots of sports. They eat a sensible breakfast, little lunch, if any, and a big dinner. Neither is overweight now. My daughter (11) was overweight when she was between 8 and 9 but I think it was a pudgy period for her. She is a sneak eater, even now, and loves sweets. But, the physical exercise (basketball, softball, competitive swimming) help to keep her weight in check.

[Anonymous]

At 9 yrs old my DS was 5'2" 120lbs. Yes he is the size of a 12 yr old. Would I make him "diet?" no. Do I encourage healthy eating and lots of physical activity? yes. We model healthy eating and regular exercise. Do I want to promote unhealthy body image and over-self-consciousness at this early age? No.