To be worried DD is getting fat?

[lostthroughthelookingglass]

DD is 15, and up until recently has always been fairly slim. Her build hasn't changed that much except over the past few months she's developed a real podgy belly that doesn't really look in proportion with the rest of her. She takes ballet classes after school which she's started to say she doesn't want to carry on with after loving for years, I think a part of it could be that she's aware of how prominent her belly is in a leotard.

Just a stage? Or should I be worrying about what she's eating?

Christ ,I hope your dd doesn't come across this thread. Delete history and log out after you come off Mumsnet or this will scar her for life.

I understand your concerns and you've had good advice. Good luck x

could she have a food intolerance IBS maybe and that is why her stomach is swollen, If it is anyhelp my dd has a podgy tum at the moment she is 14 I think it is a girl thing and she is about to take a growth spurt, but i would check out her diet too, It is such a shame she is so self concious in her leotard I guess the other ballet dancers are uber slim

Call your GP. Explain the situation. Make an appointment with her (I hope) for DD ASAP. The doctor will know what to do.

It might be hormonal though, we all get a bit bloated at the time of the month, has she started her periods? i would have thouht so - it could be this.

My mum tried to gently help with health eating when I was 14; I gathered she thought I was a bit fat (enlarged this hugely as I was a stroppy, hormonal teenager) and stated taking speed along with crash dieting. I did end up a size 8, but definitely far more unhealthy... So do be careful!

If she's not keen on ballet anymore, why not suggest contemporary, jazz or street? that way she's still exercising. Or say that you'd like to do zumba but are nervy of going on your own, would she come along until you get more confident? (even if you hate bloody zumba!!!!!)

I'd guess the wanting to give up ballet is to do with her stomach. Poor thing.

Has she just started her periods?

And I'm sorry to ask ... but has she been sick at all or have her boobs grown too? I'm thinking the same thought as the other posters ... sorry!

and regarding getting her to the Drs - great idea by the other posters.

Just come up with some flannel that you think you have a food intolerance and it could be genetic?

If she freaks at going to the Dr's with you ... I'd start to worry ...

I started piling on weight at 15 too - but it went all over (face/arms/legs and podgy belly) - mine was due to finding cider with my friends

Get her to the Drs - on her own. Imagine how humiliating it would be to sit next to your Mum discussing your weight with your GP!
If she is overeating, there is very little you can do - she is 15, not 5.

Oh, and make sure you are doing this for her, not you. My mother's attitude to my weight during my teenage years is largely responsible for my eating disorders. She wasn't worried about my health or my social life - she was ashamed of being seen with a fat daughter.

I carry weight on my belly when I gain it - it is just the way some of us are made! Legs stay skinny .... the middle goes out As others have said it may be a teenage puppy fat stage but definitely worth talking to her about the ballet - maybe she is feeling self conscious and you can help her. I have always been quite self conscious about mine as even when very slim I don't have a flat stomach.

up the duff would be my first thought too. but at primary school my friend swelled up in the belly, and was thought to be a preggers ten year old, when it turned out she had a benign cyst on her ovary.

doctors, please.

My mother's attitude to my weight during my teenage years is largely responsible for my eating disorders
yes.

Ovarian cysts can cause swelling in the stomach area that look very like pregnancy, but are soft to the touch like fat. If it's just her belly it's worth a trip to the doctors to rule this out.