From Vicky, Child's Age 11 - 02/16/03 - IP#: 66.157.40.xxx Click here to reply
Hi, my son is 11 years old. He is 5'3" tall and weighs 171 pounds. For over a year now he has been off and on oral steroids for an eye condition called Iritis. He wasn't skinny before he started the medicine but he did gain 37 lbs. while he was on the medicine. He has been off off the medicine now since November but he still seems to be gaining weight. The DR. said it could take 6-8 months for it to get out of his system but in the meantime he needs to cut down on his eating and his sweets. I know I shouldn't bring them in my home and I am going to stop but I need to know if there is someone out there who has any suggestions for parents who need to help their children lose weight without making them feel terrible about themselves. He starts Jr. High next year and I don't want him to be made fun of. By the way, he is an only child and my husband and I pretty much let him eat anything he wants. His grandparents live near too and they do too. I don't know what to do. He is a very big boy. Even his height. I think if he just loses at least 40 lbs. that would make a huge difference. Also, NO, he is not very active. We live in town and I will barely let him go around the block by himself. He doesn't do sports and doesn't have alot of friends either. I know this letter is long but I am very scared for my son. Please help. Thank you......
Reply from Katie, Child's Age 9 - 09/11/12 - IP#: 66.66.92.xxx Hi. I completely understand your concerns. My daughter(9years old) was also on steroids for asthma. She gained 20 pounds in 6 weeks. In case your doctor didn't tell you, increased appetite and swelling is often a side effect. The problem is when the swelling goes down you don't realize about the weight. We have struggled with this for the last 6 years and each steroid episode makes it increasingly difficult to lose the weight. My best suggestion is lots of water and by a small trampoline for inside if weather doesn't permit going outside. I live in Western New York with some pretty brutal winters. My doctor suggested 15-30 minutes a day, not even all at once. Seems to be helping some. And with warmer weather, outside, even walking will increase stamina. Godd luck. Just remember that it's ok to let him know that one of the culprits was the medicine.
Reply from Vicky, Child's Age 11 - 02/25/03 - IP#: 66.157.43.xxx Thanks Lynn, I have started by not buying so much junk. I have also stopped buying sodas unless it is diet. He and I have both been doing exercises together lately. I know it is going to take some time and some lifestyle and diet changes but I am not going to give up on him. I know he can do it. Thanks for the input. I am looking for a YMCA that is close but I don't think there is one. Thanks again............
Reply from Lynn, Child's Age 18 - 02/22/03 - IP#: 66.218.193.xxx Is there a YMCA in town? They often have other exercise opportunities for kids who are not into competitive sports, like swimming and hiking. Also, try smaller portions and no junk food in the house except on special occasions for starters. Good luck.
