9.5-yo DS has 32.5-in waist. WWYD?

[Anonymous]

Don't know what to do. Can't remember when I measured his waist last time but it was around 29-in. Probably 2 years ago. He's been bigger than most kids since about 4. Do we seek help, if so, what kind? Do we lock it down on foods/pushing activities and making things even more unpleasant for him and us? Or let him be and accept his body type, along with potential future health issues?

[Anonymous]

Why the hell do you know how many inches your son's waist measures? Makes me think you have body image issues and should back off in a big way. I mean, in two years his waist has grown three inches and you think you have to DO something? Good grief.

I suggest you raise the issue next time you're at the pediatrician (NOT in front of your children) and then defer to whatever the professionals tell you.

[Anonymous]

I'd be concerned with that measurement too. I think you should talk to your pediatrician about your concerns.

[Anonymous]

Wow he is at risk for all sorts of things with a waist that big. Discuss with ped. Maybe they can recommend a nutritionist and possibly a therapist.

[Anonymous]

If you were to describe his (and your family's) level of activity what would it be?

If you were to describe his eating habits (and that of the family) how would you do it?

Are you a healthy eating and exercise family with a big bone structure? Or is something else going on?

[Anonymous]

1. Why are you measuring his waist? Seems a little obsessive and possibly stems from an issue you have.

2. You did not mention how tall your son is if he is well above average height for a 9.5 year old boy this could be normal. Anecdote my brother was that size at about that age but he was just shy of 6 feet tall.

3. Discuss this with his pediatrician in private and take their advice.

[Anonymous]

You are feeding him the wrong food. Talk to your pediatrician about establishing a healthy meal plan for your family. What is your waist measurement?

[Anonymous]

Every time a concerned parent starts a thread about overweight kids, so many people jump in to attack the OP. "What is your waist measurement?" Give me a break. Are you all a bunch of defensive fat people? I suspect so.

OP - at 9.5 he probably only has access to food in your house, right? Are you noticing that starchy/snacky type things are vanishing faster than they should? Start by eliminating that kind of thing. Extend that to things like chocolate chips, chocolate syrup, crackers, peanut butter, etc. A hungry kid prone to binging will settle for pretty much anything.

If that doesn't help and you're sure he isn't getting junk at school or from friends, talk to your ped and have him tested for hypothyroidism. My brother was first diagnosed at age 8.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Every time a concerned parent starts a thread about overweight kids, so many people jump in to attack the OP. "What is your waist measurement?" Give me a break. Are you all a bunch of defensive fat people? I suspect so.

OP - at 9.5 he probably only has access to food in your house, right? Are you noticing that starchy/snacky type things are vanishing faster than they should? Start by eliminating that kind of thing. Extend that to things like chocolate chips, chocolate syrup, crackers, peanut butter, etc. A hungry kid prone to binging will settle for pretty much anything.

If that doesn't help and you're sure he isn't getting junk at school or from friends, talk to your ped and have him tested for hypothyroidism. My brother was first diagnosed at age 8.

I agree PP, I found that odd too! I'm a (tall) grown woman and that measurement would give me pause. OP is not crazy for wanting to do something about this. It doesn't mean she's a food obsessed fat shamer.

[Anonymous]

I have a 9 and a half year old son too and I don't have the slightest clue what waist size he is. Why do you OP? What is his height/weight?

[Anonymous]

Folks, people might measure their kid's waisted if they need certain trousers or OP could have noticed that her kid has a pot belly at 9.5.

OP, I'm concerned about my 10 year olds weight. (Don't know his waist measurement, but he recently bulked up and grew out of jeans slightly in the waist but not in length.

[Anonymous]

I actually just had to measure my 9 1/2 year-old son's waist to order his lacrosse cup protector pants, so maybe mom had to measure his to order an item of clothing

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Folks, people might measure their kid's waisted if they need certain trousers or OP could have noticed that her kid has a pot belly at 9.5.

OP, I'm concerned about my 10 year olds weight. (Don't know his waist measurement, but he recently bulked up and grew out of jeans slightly in the waist but not in length.

Bulking up at 10 is normal, especially before a growth spurt.

[Anonymous]

I would cut out all processed foods in the house for the entire family. Absolutely NO processes foods.

[Anonymous]

Stop buying soda and juice immediately. Start there and then see if you need to make other changes.