"Is my toddler overweight?"
If you think your child is overweight, but doesn’t have a medical condition, it could be down to diet. GP Dr Gill Jenkins advises
Published 01 April 2008
"My three-and-a-half-year-old daughter is very tall and big all over but I’m worried about her weight — she weighs four stone and has a 27-inch waist. She’s a fussy eater and will only have bread for breakfast, although I make sure it’s brown. Lunch is often a sandwich and dinner is limited, usually a pizza. She drinks fresh orange juice and has sweets only occasionally. Why is she so big and how can I help her to lose some weight?"
Dr Gill Jenkins
GP and mum of three
Expert tips
- Without knowing her height I can’t be exact, but your daughter is well above the expected weight for her age. If she is otherwise well, it is unlikely that she has a medical problem. It’s more likely that she is big because her diet is not correct for her, and/or her portion sizes are too big, and/or she is not active enough.
- Obesity in toddlers is often a reflection of family eating and activity habits (although toddlers are naturally active). As a first step, ask yourself honestly whether you need to address your family’s diet (the food and/or portion size) and activity levels.
- Your daughter’s food choices are high in carbohydrates, fat and sugar. Instead, give her lean protein (such as lean meat or fish), which will satisfy her hunger more quickly. Also make sure she eats plenty of fibre in the form of leafy vegetables, root vegetables and pulses (lentils, peas and beans), which will fill her up but contain fewer calories and less fat. Soluble fibre — which is found in porridge and bananas, for example — will give her energy. Wholegrain and ‘brown’ fibre (such as brown rice and wholemeal pasta) will also give her slow-release energy, which is better than frequent sugary or ‘junk’ foods, as these cause high blood sugar levels then lows, driving him to eat more.
- If she’s hungry between meals, give her a healthy snack such as carrot sticks or a piece of fruit. You should also give her less orange juice (which is high in sugar) and more water to drink. Use non-food based rewards — for example, stickers on a star chart, an extra story at bedtime or a trip to the park — when she does well.
- There may be tears at mealtimes at first, but your daughter’s diet and weight is already affecting her future health so you must act now. Take it slowly but firmly and she’ll be less likely to protest. Speak to your health visitor or GP, who will advise you and check that your daughter has none of the rare causes for obesity in childhood.
Find out more
- Food Standards Agency
www.eatwell.gov.uk
- Healthy Eating for Kids by Anita Bean (£12.99, A&C Black)
- Now read our feature "We beat childhood obesity"
Picture: Masterfile
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