From Veronica, Child's Age 13 - 06/03/01  Click here to reply  
Hi everyone. I was wondering if you could help me, my daughter is 13 years old and is constantly made fun of about her weight. She isn't really that heavy for someone 5foot 6inches 118lbs isn't a lot considering how muscular she is playing all the sports that she does. She would like to lose about 10lbs of fat just to get into better shape for her sports. I don't want her to do it alone because i don't want her to do anything unhealthy. But I'm not too sure what to do myself, can anyone help?
Reply from sherry, Child's Age 13 - 10/30/02  - IP#: 24.73.56.xxx
at 13-14 years of age. and being 5'6" and just 118 it would be hidious and lame on your part to agree to have your child go on a diet. I think its absurd 		 
Reply from Sue, Child's Age 12 - 06/05/01  - IP#: 62.64.191.xxx
Your daughter doesn't sound overweight at all but she may well have puppy fat which will go when she goes past puberty. If she is doing lots of sports then she obviously needs to eat well and healthy to keep her energy levels up so you do need to be a bit careful not to restrict her diet too much. What you could do is reduce the fat in her diet and get her eating lower fat foods i.e. low fat versions of the food she enjoys. That way she won't feel like she is on a diet but the food is healthier. I am not sure what the recommended fat level is for a child of your daughter's age but you could probably find out easily. You say she is teased. That is a tricky one because if she really isn't overweight then it could be a bit dangerous taking notice of the 'teasers' and believing them and then trying to help your daughter lose weight that she may not need to lose at all. To reassure yourself I would visit a doctor or a nutritionist who can set your mind at rest.