Diagnosis of obesity in 87-pound 9-year-old daughter?

Debbie - posted on 08/28/2012

I am dealing with the same issue with my 8 yr old almost 9 She has been tested and it came back high We are having to see the dietician and cardiologist

Dove - posted on 05/16/2012

This post is ages old, but I wanted to say that the kid from when this op was written is 20 pounds heavier than my child was at 2 inches taller... No clue what size is or isn't obese, but my child was at the 50% for weight (67 pounds) at that age and that was at 10 years old.

Meagan - posted on 05/16/2012

My 9 yr. old daughter weighs 128 lbs. and is 5'0" tall. She wears an 8 1/2 shoe and my clothing (when allowed). She was labled "obese" a long time ago but she doesn't seem to notice that she outweighs all of her peers by a great deal. She also can give most of her friends shoulder rides and can pick me up and carry me, but the monkey bars are a struggle now. IThe hardest part about her weight is her shape. She is barrel chested (36 inches round) but her waist is a size 3 (women). She is top heavy. I try to keep from bugging her about her size but all she wants to do is eat. I swear, she would eat dessert, then her dinner, then my dinner and more if allowed. What do I do? She acts like I am starving her.

Lisa - posted on 12/01/2009

We have found karate to be a good workout for our kids. It keeps them active and gives them personal growth and achievement. I think gymnastics would be much the same. I try to get involved in the sports my kids participate in. When my oldest started to train for cross country, we all went out and ran with him to get him ready. Running isn't for everyone but the togetherness made it easier for him to strive for something that seemes unreachable at the time. And by getting active yourself, you show your kids that you do as you say :O) That said, I think I am going to start kaate myself. My kids have been at it for a year and a half and have been begging me to do it too. Couldn't hurt, right? Good luck!

Nicole - posted on 11/30/2009

OHH, and only because I read several of the other stories, unfortunately, the doctor isn't full of crap like people think. My husband is a doctor and I am a nurse. I have seen many cases of type 2 diabetes in overweight children as young as 6. Children who the parents and grandparents always deemed "just a little chubby," or having "baby fat." Unfortunately, once you have type 2 (the type people tend to get from being overweight", even if you lose the weight, you still are likely to be a diabetic. The younger you are when diagnosed, means the sooner you are to develop poor circulation in your legs and feet, along with neuropathy, which seems to ALWAYS lead to amputations within 30-45 years, say. My father was a diabetic, diagnosed at 17. It is for this reason why I STRESSED so bad about my own child. He was a perfect diabetic eater, excersided, was active, and only "cheated" on his diet occasionally. Diabetes doesn't seem to care how healthy you are, it will still affect you eventually!!!!!!!! So, yes, have her tested. Then, immediately get her active. You will love not having to worry about her weight.

Nicole - posted on 11/30/2009

I love the website www.kidshealth.org. They have a great BMI calculator for children up to 18 years old. 100 lbs on a child of 10 is totally different than a 20 year old who weighs 100 lbs. Their bones are not as developed or strong, etc.

It is so sad to hear that she is considered obese. This is my dilemma too. My daughter has always been "curvy." I think I actually stressed more than her doctors did, which only made the problem worse. I watched EVERYthing she ate and whenever I saw her pick up a piece of candy or go to a party I would say something like "now, please watch what you eat," or "be careful, you know how you can overeat sometimes." This I feel has only made her more self concious and lowered her self esteem. I WISH, WISH, WISH, that around 8-9 I would have simply stepped up her excersise by putting her in gymnastics or something else to get her physically fit instead of making her watch, watch, watch her intake all the time. Kids should not have to do that. A LITTLE, like understanding moderation, etc, but not all the time like I did. NOW, she is 12 and around 5'6 and around 160. She is still considered overweight but not obese anymore. When I stopped stressing, crazy, but she started losing weight and feeling better about herself. That would be my suggestion. Tell her how beautiful she is, but mommy wants to see her more active a few days a week. Then, moderate the "goodies" at home and I believe you'll be good to go. Hope my story helps.

Lisa - posted on 11/30/2009

The pediatrician that saw my kids a few years back always looked at their personal growth. My youngest was always off the charts for height and weight from about 2 weeks old until about 4 years old. He has always been big for his age. At 8 years old, he is 54 inches 80 pounds. Our current doctor feels that it is something to watch but since it isn't a sudden weight increase and his height seems to grow at the same rate, it isn't a major concern. I don't think that there is any harm in checking for elevated choesterol and diabetes. As a parent of 3 kids, I'd rather test and know for sure than to ignore and wonder if I should have tested.

Lisa - posted on 11/30/2009

My 9 year old had a similar problem. I was the one though that was concerned with her weight. She eats very healthy, rarely had sugary snacks and drinks but weighed 97 pounds. At her well exam, I brought this to the dr's attention and they ran cholesterol and diabetes tests. Her glucose level after a 12 hour fast was coming in at 220. She was referred to an endocrinologist and was diagnosed as diabetic. I was floored, there were no redflags aside from the weight. I would suggest having the test done...if they are both negative you've lost nothing. Either way, you'll know. Both tests should just be a finger pinch for a 9 year old. Good luck!

Brenda - posted on 11/30/2009

Tell the doc he's full of POOP! Most kids go through a chubby stage. Don't put her on a diet. She shouldn't loose weight but grow into a more healthy weight instead. I agree with the other statement. Change what the family eats by making small changes. I let my daughter make homemade "Baby" pizzas out of whole grain flat buns, pizza sauce and real cheese with turkey pepironi. She loves it and it's a lower fat alternative to those premade microwave pizzas. Encourage your child to play outside more if she plays a lot of game system games or watches a lot of T.V. How did you grow? Did you go through a chubby stage? Did you grow out of it? I have a chubby daughter myself, but I can already see she is starting to grow out of it. Don't worry to much about or stress her out about it. She will develop a complex about it, no one wants to pay for years of psycotherapy. My point is to relax about the whole thing. Let her grow naturaly, healthy and happy.

Toni - posted on 11/30/2009

I would definitely have a word with the Dr if he labelled your daughter in front of her, that isn't nice and can have a horrible effect on her self confidence etc. However, I would definitely get the tests done. I would also have a look at a lifestyle change and not just a diet. Have a look at yourself and OH, are you carrying a couple of extra pounds around the middle? Is she learning bad habits from her parents? I'm not pointing fingers here but just asking you to be honest with yourself.
A life style change doesn't necessarily mean changing what you eat but change how you cook it. Start doing more home cooking and even get your daughter involved. Eat less pre packaged meals and take outs. Cut back on fat, sugar and salt. Get some fat free yoghurt's in. They will still have all the calcium that your child will need but not the fat. Same with milk, you child doesn't need the fat in milk only the calcium.
I think Slimming World is a good example of how to eat healthily. They have a section for children too which gives them extra fibre and calcium than an adult.
I'd get your children interested in some hobbies.....dance, gymnastics, skating (roller or ice) self defence class etc. Not all exercise is swimming lengths, running or cycling for miles on end or walking. Make it fun and interesting, something for life.

Brooke - posted on 11/30/2009

if u questioning the doctor maybe get a second opinon it may help u to decide if u should do the testing or not. it may not be sugar thats the prob it could be carbs as they r in heaps of foods u think r healthy. such as carrots, peas, corn, and all root veg. Goodluck hope it helps

Sharyn - posted on 11/29/2009

my daughter is one, and she weighs 25 pounds .... she is at the top of her scale, and her doctor is very happy with her growth, however we are changing doctors only cause we moved house to another town ...
if you think your child is healthy and there are no health problems with her other then your doctor saying she is "obese" ..... have those tests just to rule out diabetes which is an ultimate serious factor of changing her lifestyle and will affect her for the rest of her life.

Dee - posted on 11/29/2009

My 9 yr old is 48 inches tall and weighs 53 lbs and they say he's "underweight" Im like "yea hes a shorty what do you expect" Seems like they always have to say saomething negative no matter what. My cousin on the other hand has a 9 yr old girl who weighs 108 lbs and is pretty tall (not sure how tall) and they did all those test on her and everything came out normal. I wouldnt worry unless you see something wrong cause I really wouldnt describe your child as "obese" that going a little overboard.

Nancye - posted on 11/29/2009

Doctors tend to blame everything from hangnails to headaches on obesity.I absolutely would not get these tests .It seems to me it would only make your daughter self conscious about her body and possibly lead to eating problems.Puberty is right around the corner and weight loss almost always follows.They don't call it puppy fat for nothing.GET A NEW DOCTOR!

Renae - posted on 11/29/2009

I dont think it would hurt to have the tests, just to know there is nothing wrong. Do you think your child is overwieght? Are the people in her immediate family heavy? I think that if you know your child has a healthy, well balanced diet, and gets regular exercise through some type of sport or dance or swimming or whatever she enjoys, then there probably isn't a problem and she probably will grow into it. If you are not sure whether she has a healthy diet then it wont hurt to meet with the dietician. Likewise if she is not currently involved in any activities, see what is available in your local community, take her along to watch the lesson or sport or whatever and let her choose which one or two she would like to try. I also think it is very important that you protect her from words like "obese". I dont think she needs to know what category she is in, or that she needs to loose weight. Us girls have enough trouble with our bodies when entering puberty, we don't need someone of authority like a doctor also telling us we are fat. Just becareful what she hears and how things are explained to her.

Alice - posted on 11/29/2009

yes i woude get test don

Lee - posted on 11/29/2009

There is a lot of hype going around about this . I have 4 kids 3 were skinny growing up I got accused of not feeding them enough but they ate like food was going out of fashion. My youngest was the oposite at ten he weighed around 90+ and kept gaining rach year not sure exactly I took him to the doctors as I was told he was obese The doctor said he was fine and very healthy that he had a large bone structure and his weight supported this. He started swimming and some of the puppy fat went, to day he is still a large man but healthy and vey well muscled. Get a second opinion before getting blood tests. Some people can make a big deal out of these issues and its important for her self esteam to feel good about her self. What is the perfect weight, body shape, ectra, If you believe she is healthy and she is happy don't stress over it. High cholesteral is not limmited to larger people skinny people get it too.

Stephanie - posted on 11/29/2009

Diabetes is a growing problem, whether or not it is in your family genes and it starts with nutrition and children being overweight... Take it from a mom that has seen A LOT OF SUFFERING in her own family due to diabetes... you don´t want your daughter to be at risk!!! Being on a diet does not cause other problems... It just means a lifestyle change. She should not see a dietician who wants her to lose weight fast, but rather see what in her diet should be cut out that is unhealthy and exchange it with more FRESH fruits and veggies. Add a little more physical activity and she will start to lose weight automatically, without these so- called FAD DIETS....

Aida - posted on 11/28/2009

I recommend you follow your doctor's advice and test your child, you have nothing to lose by doing it so but have a lot to gain because it's your daughter's health and diabetes in children is a tough situation plus you will be helping your child by monitoring her eating habits. You could always get a second opinion after the testing and be reassured of your daughter's health. I have a son who is a man now and I HAD a very wonderful doctor who inform me that my son was obese, we made minor changes in his eating habits and added exercises to his daily rutine, after testing he came out with symptoms of a grave sickness and we were able to treat him but gave us five agonizing years of wondering would he make it, this happen when he was only 6 wks. old and weighing 16 lbs. today he is 34 and has a heart condition but otherwise enjoys a healthy life. Your daughter has everything to gain and nothing to lose by listening to your doctor and my congratulations for having a doctor who cares enough to worry.

Brandy - posted on 11/28/2009

She is only 4'2". I remember being 4'10" @ 100 in the 6th grade (age 12). The following yr. I shot up 4 inches to 5'2". I wouldn't wait for a growth spurt. I personally have not grown since the 7th grade. Look at how you and your husband gain weight and grew at her age. Don't bury your head at this fact though. I hope y'all get the help with your daughter that you need.

Kathy - posted on 11/28/2009

Hi

My daughter is 4' 11" and weights 115. She is not obese at all. She is actually very normal for her age (or maybe it's just the kids around here). Of course, she is one of the tallest in her class. But she doesn't stand out in the crowd or anything. 52 inches and 87 pounds sounds about normal to me. Afterall she is a growing girl. She may not gain anymore weight and grow to be 6 foot tall. She may grow into her weight.

I would change doctors and be very upset for him "labeling" your child.

Jackie - posted on 11/28/2009

I would get the tests done. One of the moms mentioned she is in the around the 95th percentile. What she didn't mention is your daughters height is actually at the 50th percentile. So your daughter is carrying the weight of a girl her age who is 56" to 57" tall. Think about how big of a difference 4"-5" is for us adults especially with weight. My 120 lbs would be under weight for someone who was 5'8"-5'9". And if I was carrying the healthy weight of a woman that tall on my small body (5'3").. well I would be obese too.. maybe even morbidly obese.

Obese doesn't mean you are 200 lbs over weight and can't get out of bed. There is a medical standard for using that word which your doctor is more then trained in. You would actually be surprised by how many people they consider obese who only look a little chunky. Our definition is not the same as in the medical world.

So instead of second guessing the educated doctor who is only looking out for your daughters well being. How about you take his advice and get the tests done. Whats the worse that is going to happen? Who knows maybe the tests will prove you right. But don't put your daughter at risk; if a doctor has suggested it then it needs to be done. Its neglectful other wise.

Susan - posted on 11/28/2009

I believe that the doctor has gone too far and may have caused your daughter more harm than good - now she will be worried about her weight and she should not be. I would find another doctor.

Tina - posted on 11/28/2009

Your doctor is being cautious. Obesity can be a contributing factor to diabetes and with the increase in diagnoses for children of type II in this era; it would be wise for you to have it done. She may test negative for both. I've had diabetes for 18 years now and never tested positive as a child. I am pretty sure I had it as a child but they could never diagnose it because my numbers were never high enough to make that determination. I know now that I experienced very high blood sugars as a child but I had no idea of how to describe the feelings so I never told my mom about these episodes.

Be cautious yourself, mom, and have her tested. I'd rather hear about a negative than to ignore a possible positive. This disease is best discovered sooner rather than later, and maybe you'll get a negative and she's fine, but you need to find out. Does it run in the family? I can think of no other reason why you'd have yourself tested every year. If it runs in the family, you definitely should have her tested, and as often as you have yourself tested.

Andrae - posted on 11/28/2009

I think it's almost funny that you would take the advice of people on here that do not even have medical training over your own doctor. If you feel you have an incompetent doctor, then get a new one. My guess is the few people that replied that have medical training (Caryn) are correct and so is your doctor. Besides, it's a simple test for something that is VERY serious! Why wouldn't you do the test? I don't understand.

Carolee - posted on 11/28/2009

Have them check her thyroid as well.

Janet - posted on 11/28/2009

Hello,
My 9 year old son has Autism, he weighs 128 pounds I am horrified how big he has gotten. He has gained forty eight pounds in 2 1/2 years, although he does not eat healthy because he is very picky. He is also on several medication that causes weight gain.

Maria - posted on 11/28/2009

Usually, the pediatrician has a chart he goes by according to a child's chronological age, height and body weight to get your child's body mass index (BMI) where they can measure her fat % if you wish, and all that. And as a precaution, because of the alarming rate that obesity is hitting children (ratio according to CNN is now 1:3) in the U.S., the Health Industry is taking a jumpstart to check health concerns such as cholesterol, diabetes, and/or heart risks related to obesity. If your daughter is a well-adjusted and very active child, then there shouldn't be no cause for alarm. If you're concerned about the doctor's find, then ask him/her for a second opinion. You're entitled to that, you know. I hope this helps!

Karla - posted on 11/28/2009

My advise is to do it, even if it is just for precaution. My child is nine, weighs 104lbs, but is also tall, she is 5 feet tall. I too was sent for same, and in my mind, I don't see her as obese, she doesn't even have rolls like I do, but since "clinically" she is, I try to watch her a bit more with her choices. Like you, I feel she eats very healthy, in my case, she does have soda,but she loves veggies and fruits. I am not making her diet, just watching portions and getting her to be a bit more active, but am not obsessing over it because as I said she is healthy and just growing. I did the testing. She was fine, and at least now they can't say as a mom I didn't follow through. You know that if something would happen, we the mothers would get blamed for not having doenne the testing.

Hacah - posted on 11/28/2009

You should try to be less offended and more concerned about your child's well being. Childhood obesity and stage 2 diabetes is at an all time high in the US because (and not only from this) of the poor food choices and lack of exercise we get. Your daughter is in the top 90th percentile for weight but about the 40th percentile in height. That should tell you something. Don't wait until your child has diabetes and high cholesterol to do something about it. Be honest with yourself and do what's best for your daughter.
...a concerned mother and nurse

Angie - posted on 11/28/2009

Kids all grow at their own rate. My daughter was always tall and heavy according to the Dr, but looked normal to the whole family. Now my son they tell me isn't growing fast enough and is light and short....he is the same size she was....go figure! I say if she's healthy, active and happy with herself leave the weight thing alone, there are studies out that are showing too much emphasis on weight for girls this age can lead to anorexia. The blood work is up to you....it can't hurt to have it checked.

Julie - posted on 11/28/2009

I couldn't have agreed more with what Caryn wrote. Doctors follow the same growth charts that you can get online. Like mentioned by another mom. I was once in denial and decided to find a new physician. I found my current physician  6 1/2 years ago (which is also my boss now) and he flat out told me that I was in denial and until I accepted it, I couldn't help my son. He had speech delay. And when the issue came up about my daughter's weight, I was in denial too! She was 6 years old and weighed 60+ lbs. Not too bad but the growth chart proves it and we made minor changes that my daughter didn't notice. Most importantly we increased exercise. After a year, she's slimming down and her diet really didn't change. She ate alot of the healthy stuff too but it's when and how much she ate that changed. Making the little changes makes a big difference. When you have someone else looking in on the situation, they aren't going to hold back or sugar coat what you want to hear. Not all physicians are practing the same way but their goal should all be the same...what's best for the children.

Quoting Caryn:

I am a dietitian and I work with families of kids that are overweight and obese. Kudos to your MD for discussing it with you. We are training physicians to recognize when kids are trending to be overweight and obese and discussing it with families to help with prevention. The rate of pediatric obesity has tripled in the last 10 years. Just to clarify the comment on BMI. A childs BMI is measured differently than an adult because you factor in their age. The CDC website has a calculator and IF your child is in the 85% or above (BMI for age) then they are considered overweight and 95 or above obese. I think an important factor is to see where they have been since age 2. Are they trending upward? I would definately recommend the blood tests. I would not discuss the weight issue with your child but focus on being physically active together as a family, turn of the screens (TV and computer), eat at least 5 fruits and veggies everyday, eat at home together around the kitchen table with the TV off, cut back on eating out, drink more water and less sugary drinks. Here is a daily recipe to help you remember what is means to be a healthy family- www.livewellomahakids.org (5-4-3-2-1-GO!). Please let me know if you have any questions.

Rowena - posted on 11/28/2009

do the doctor's says, there's no harm in trying anyway..as a mother, we have to do the best we can for our kids.. you will only have peace of mind, once you knew that your daughter is in good health..so, go to the doctor/dietician and have your daughter tested.. always remember that prevention is better than cure..

Caryn - posted on 11/28/2009

I am a dietitian and I work with families of kids that are overweight and obese. Kudos to your MD for discussing it with you. We are training physicians to recognize when kids are trending to be overweight and obese and discussing it with families to help with prevention. The rate of pediatric obesity has tripled in the last 10 years. Just to clarify the comment on BMI. A childs BMI is measured differently than an adult because you factor in their age. The CDC website has a calculator and IF your child is in the 85% or above (BMI for age) then they are considered overweight and 95 or above obese. I think an important factor is to see where they have been since age 2. Are they trending upward? I would definately recommend the blood tests. I would not discuss the weight issue with your child but focus on being physically active together as a family, turn of the screens (TV and computer), eat at least 5 fruits and veggies everyday, eat at home together around the kitchen table with the TV off, cut back on eating out, drink more water and less sugary drinks. Here is a daily recipe to help you remember what is means to be a healthy family- www.livewellomahakids.org (5-4-3-2-1-GO!). Please let me know if you have any questions.

Tammy - posted on 11/28/2009

I don't think that is obese at all! My son was "diagnosed" as overweight. He is 9/12 yrs old, 94 lbs, and about 54 inche4s tall. He has a little belly thats all. He is slightly overweight, but by no means obese!

Jerri - posted on 11/28/2009

I agree...second opinion. My neice was considered obese last year during a school physical...then the growth spurt kicked in. I have two older children but when they were your child's age in the 90's, the boys were opposite: at age 9 and 8 one son was a little heavy and the other was thin. My boys are both are 6' 3" tall now and still look oppodite :) . Today I have a 7 year old who is somewhere in the middle of where his brothers were at this age...he will be 8 nect month and his pediatrician has never felt a need to test him for anything.

Your question of test or not test is a tough call and if this were my child, I would get a second opinion: the pediatrician's job is to assure our children are healthy but the science of medicine is not deinite. I also looked at the BMI chart and plugged in my sons measurements: he is already 72 pounds and 4'3" tall....according to the charts, he is in the norm of it all. And yes, your best tool of endurance is to educate yourself as well. Hopefully your daughter is fine and not starting to feel as if there is an issue with her weight...at this age, all children should be enjoying there youth.

Best wishes momma and keep us posted :)

Lucia - posted on 11/27/2009

My step daughter is 10 and weighs 98 lbs. but she is real close to being 5 feet tall. Her BMI is 21 so she's normal. But yet some people are amazed at how much she weighs. She looks perfectly fine. She played softball and she could do better on her eating habits. That I know of there has been no doctor that has said she is obese, even last year when she weighed around the same but was shorter. I would get a second opinion.

Stacy - posted on 11/27/2009

When children are young, sometimes their wait can change. My ex's neice was a little heavier than average when she was about 5-6, she is 14 now, and on a basket ball team. She grew into her weight. My youngest boy was almost 11 pounds when he was born, and he is now about 35 pounds, wearing a size 6 slim pants. Don't let the doc's scare you.
I would get the test for diabetes, even though there are no sighns, it does not mean that it is not there. Get the test does not mean that you are saying she is obese, it just says you are a concernd parent.
I hope all works out for you and you daughter.

Rebecca - posted on 11/27/2009

ugh! i had a post but it didn't go through...seems liek the advice given is just like i was suggesting anyways lol...check the link and you can even print it off and keep track at home yourself. If she is following a good curve then she's fine. My son has been tall and skinny since birth and so has my daughter but they both follow their own path so my Dr has no worries about it.

Rebecca - posted on 11/27/2009

http://www.cdc.gov/growthcharts/data/set...

check this link as well. She seems to be right under 95%...

Myra - posted on 11/27/2009

Personally, I'd get another doctor. I did a BMI calculation for your daughter 52in (4ft 6in) and 87lbs makes her BMI 21. According to what I saw, 18..5-24.9 is normal, so she's right there in the middle of normal. You can plug in the numbers yourself and look at http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/ or a variety of other sites...just do a search for BMI calculator.

I would not get the test done, nor would I change her diet. Get a new doctor, though.

Tricia - posted on 11/27/2009

My 9 year old is 120lbs at 57inches and I've wanted the doctor to check her for cholesterol and diabetes but he didn't think the test would be very conclusive. My daughter drinks the least amount of soda and eats all types of veggies but doesn't seem to be slowing down with the weight gain. My 12 year old just hit 70lbs at 57 inches. My 8 year old is right where he should be so my daughters issue is confusing to me.

Toni - posted on 11/27/2009

I would do it. As a diabetic myself but not overweight it doesn't hurt anything. Diabetes can cause cholesterol problems. Maybe she just needs her diet balanced out. It sounds like she is eating the right foods but maybe it's a timing issue.

Brittany - posted on 11/27/2009

i have a friend who looks anorexic and they say he is obese. dont listen to it. if your truly concerned enroll her in swimming at the Y or something but if your not i wouldnt listen.

Megan - posted on 11/27/2009

Maybe get the testing done while doing some research on your own about what "normal" means to other doctors. Google "growth chart for girls age 9" or the like and see where she is and how far off it might be. And there's 1000s of doctors out there- if you don't like or trust your current pediatrician to recommend correct diagnosis, then you should switch. I would listen to the doctors recommendations if there are quite a few doctors that all agree with each other, but one doctor is just one person with one professional opinion.

Michelle - posted on 11/27/2009

My 14 yr old weighs 88 pound and is 62 inches tall.and his 10 yr old brother is 54 pounds and is 51 inches tall. I get yelled at to feed them more like I am starving them. They eat 6-8 meals a day. The doctor is being cautious as diabetes has no sysmtoms until it does damage to the organs and high cholesterol is the same thing no symptoms until a stroke or heart attack. I would get the tests done as all it is , is a blood test.

Sharon - posted on 11/27/2009

Neither of the tests are that bad. I would do it. Get it over with and have the peace of mind. I'd rather see tests trying to diagnose why in gods name she's so heavy to begin with.