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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To be upset with NHS over DDs weight?

444 replies

Fudgefudgefudge · 04/11/2016 17:38

DD is 4 and is in reception. Recently she had her vision, hearing, weight etc measured at school and yesterday I received a letter from the NHS saying that they are referring her to Morelife. Having googled it I'm mortified, I had no idea my child was that overweight! I checked the NHS site which measures their BMI and using the measurements they provided it shows DD being obese and on the 99th percentile Sad

Now I breastfed DD up until her 1st birthday and she was a big baby back then but over the years she's slimmed up if you know what I mean and to me she just doesn't look overweight. She has a healthy appetite and I am well aware of how to eat a healthy balanced diet etc but I do allow a treat for good behaviour. And DD is a very active, she would rather run than walk and I don't drive so she's used to walking places.

AIBU to be upset about this? What do I do? Ask the GP their opinion? It's made me doubt my abilities as a mother as I never even considered she could be obese.

OP posts:
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7
Hecticlifeanddrowning8 · 04/11/2016 18:28

I think these checks are brilliant ! A chubby child could become an obese adult. With all the health problems that brings.
This is giving you a chance to correct it way before that
. Most parents really don't see their child as overweight and just describe it as 'healthy' or 'strong' rather than overweight.

Herschellmum · 04/11/2016 18:29

The amount of times I have seen parents post photos of their kids and say that he's or she is not over weight, but people have clearly lost the perspective of what is over weight. I can't see how she isn't if she scored obsese, if you has Sian overweight then she could have been barely boarerline but to be obsese then she has to be carrying extra weight.

Children are meant to be lean, you should be able to clearly SEE their ribs!

The good news is, you are now aware of this, which is why it's done and she is still so young so there is so much you can do to help her, I would suggest finding something other than food to reward good behaviour, just because for anyone an association with food and reward isn't healthy.

You totally have this though, there is no reason to be upset, no one is condeming you at all of your Daughter, but its a good opportunity to start looking at what healthy eating is, I say that because it means different things to different People, so read up and what you believe and what you want your futures to be like. So for example we eat quite clean, we go indulge from time to time, but I have found that things I consider good or bad and Are different for others. For me, nothing is really forbidden, but we avoid anything artificial, I would choose butter over margarine for example which would be considered unhealthy, some clean eaters avoid all diary and meat where as I just eat moderately.

Anyway, I just say that as it's about changing how you eat, not going on a diet. Your daughter doesn't need a diet, but just help her limit sugars and things will change, it's not something to be upset about, most people at some point decide they need to change what/how/when they eat.

Chin up, there is nothing go be upset over, her body will continue to change, so just moderating her diet will help.

Kids are all different shapes and sizes, it's hard to really tell, which is why the BMI is used, I have 4 kids, and they are all different shapes and sizes, I have twins in the mix who have completely different body shapes, one looks much chubbier because he is much much shorter than his twin, the taller twin looks skinny, weight wise the skinner twins weights significantly more, both normal weights but the taller one is much further up the bmi scale than the shorter one, so it's really hard to tell. Also kids eat and like different things, on the whole they eat really well and no major issues but the lighter twins would rather have dessert or fruit than proper food, he likes junk foods, like chips, pizza, etc which the others are less fussed about, so I do get it, it's hard, but it's possible. I totally feel genetics has a major role as well. My husbands family are all slim, sometimes even underweight, but it's not from lack of eating, they eat really well but are just slim, my family and me put on weight even thinking about food lol... but worry less about the weight, worry more about having a positive relationship with food and exercise, move your treats to a one night thing, 2 at most, so that she isn't denied but she learns moderation.

It's so difficult writing, because I don't what to come across patronising, I do understand why you're upset, don't let it get you down, turn it into a positive. Hope you're ok x

NightNightBadger19962 · 04/11/2016 18:36

I got the same letter a few years ago. My dd is gorgeous, a healthy eater and madly sporty. It's a guideline measurement, for you to interpret. Sure, if as a family you eat loads, snack too much, or don't take enough exercise, or if any of this applies just to your daughter, then you should all make some changes. Otherwise, keep going as you are and remember some people weigh more than others, just like some are taller. You wouldn't go on and on and make her self conscious about being tall, so neither should weight in itself be an issue of frequent discussion. That's my thinking, anyhow.

Serialweightwatcher · 04/11/2016 18:36

I wouldn't worry about it, if she is healthy and isn't 'overweight' to you - my child was actually quite chubby all through and is now 6'2" which has balanced it out - I think if children aren't very overweight they should be left alone as long as they eat healthily - everyone is made differently and they will grow to all shapes and sizes - don't worry

TigerLily666 · 04/11/2016 18:41

I have a slightly different view on this. I think this must be upsetting because no one in the medical profession has raisefd concerns about weight previously and it must've come as a shock. I also think it appalling that the letter didn't explain what more life is and you had to google it. I also think there is something wrong with the system because during the 1st year of life the emphasis is on being on The top height of the charts and then at age 4 the emphasis shifts

ZippyNeedsFeeding · 04/11/2016 18:41

It must feel awful, like being called into the head teacher's office. Anything official to do with school makes me feel like a naughty child being hit by the teacher again.

Presumably the referral isn't compulsory? So if you don't want official advice (which can often feel like control and criticism), then you can just work out what needs to be done and do it. Most of us could find foods to cut out or change and learn new recipes with less fat or whatever. A food diary is a good idea, it's easy to underestimate what is eaten in a day.

One of mine (the other 3 are all skinny) tends to put on weight around his middle. He is asthmatic and exercise can set off a really bad attack, which doesn't help. None of them have ever been weighed at school, but I do keep an eye out and take him for extra walks, tweak his diet and make sure he isn't eating too many sweets etc. I think this is healthier for him because he is learning to be aware of extra weight but not really alarmed by it and also to take fairly minor action to prevent it from becoming a serious problem.

If you don't know if your daughter needs to lose weight then I would see your GP. They will either be able to reassure you or point you in the right direction with out you feeling that you've been "reported".

CaptainCabinets · 04/11/2016 18:42

I don't know why you're upset with the NHS - do you think they've made a mistake or are you a bit sore that they've highlighted the fact that your child is obese yet you can't see it?

Your DD hasn't been arbitrarily labelled as obese; she's on the 99th centile and that generally indicates a large child.

Take the referral and help your DD because an obese kid usually grows into an obese adult.

ChocolateForAll · 04/11/2016 18:42

My son was deemed overweight in reception.... you could see his ribs. It's bullshit.

AyeAmarok · 04/11/2016 18:44

Can't believe posters are telling OP to ignore it and that she knows best. That's terrible advice.

No wonder there is an obesity epidemic among children and adults.

NavyandWhite · 04/11/2016 18:47

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

ToadsforJustice · 04/11/2016 18:48

I would take it with a pinch of salt OP. IME, MoreLife doesn't work for everyone. too condesending for my liking. It might be worthwhile speaking to your GP who is more likely to be honest with you.

BarbarianMum · 04/11/2016 18:50

Could we please stop with all the "can yiu see his/her ribs" comments. Speaking as an obese person I can tell you that the ribs are pretty much the last thing to go - by the time they're covered in fat you are already in deep trouble.

Look at upper arms, bottom, belly and thighs to see if your child is putting on too much weight. And remember most parents of obese children don't see the problem.

AtleastitsnotMonday · 04/11/2016 18:51

Op use this as an opportunity to check this out, as others have said there is so much childhood obesity about our views of 'normal' have become skewed.
Firstly I would weigh and measure myself to check the measurements.
It is also worth looking at these figures in comparison to any other measurements you have from when she was younger. Is she tracking on her historic growth curve?
Do you have people you could trust to give you an honest opinion, just to test out if it is your perception or if there is a problem to address.
Would you be happy to post a day's food intake on here, people may be able to suggest a few tweaks.

AgainPlease · 04/11/2016 18:52

OP what are her measurements? I'm surprised you haven't revealed that to us yet. Without them we cannot make a judgement on whether she is overweight or not.

What I find unbelievable is 11 year old girls these days have an average waist of 70cm Shock My waist at 28yrs is smaller than that (and yes I've birthed a child before anyone asks)! Society is getting bigger and bigger.

Chippednailvarnishing · 04/11/2016 18:55

And to be directed to this Morelife just makes me feel like crap, like I'm not able to look after my own child

Yeah, much better to ignore your DDs weight problem and spare your feelings Hmm

Enkopkaffetak · 04/11/2016 18:56

So many things has to be considered before we deem someone overweight.

DS was classed as overweight in year 6. He however was the most active and very sporty child in the class. However he had very broad shoulders and lots of muscle.

FFW 5 years and now in year 10 he is thin as a rake got a 6 pack and has grown into those broad shoulders. He is also much taller than me.
Still very sporty and now eats more than any of us (he didnt in year 6)

So it can be something as simple as needing to grow without any food intake has to be changed.

Could also be that she is in need of some diet advice and then you can do something about it.

ChocolateForAll · 04/11/2016 18:57

Congratulations on your small waist, AgainPlease. You're thin and everyone else is fat. Glad we cleared that one up!!

TheWoodlander · 04/11/2016 18:58

I have really noticed irl that parents are blind to their children being overweight. Seriously so, managing to turn a blind eye to the fact that their 3yr old child is wearing age 6-7 clothes and so on.

I think if your DC has a BMI in the obese range, you need to do something, rather than rage at the NHS. An appointment with the GP sounds like a good start.

tiggytape · 04/11/2016 18:59

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MadameSilva · 04/11/2016 18:59

Yanbu to be upset, I imagine it's a distressing thing to read. However, I echo other posters that 'parental blindness ' may come into play. Only recently an acquaintance was ranting on fb regarding the same issue asking if anyone thought her dd was fat. My fingers were itchy to type, yes, she does, imo, look overweight. This acquaintance is very into exercise so it seems surprising to me that she hasn't noticed.

OlennasWimple · 04/11/2016 19:01

OP doesn't seem to be coming back?

TheOnlyColditz · 04/11/2016 19:02

It's not the NHS that has made her overweight, it's her diet.

Focus on lean protein, low fat dairy and fresh vegetables in portions she finds satisfying. Hartley's make sugar free jellies with only 4 calories which my (overweight) son loves, and they make a good 'treat' when he may otherwise feel deprived.

Now you know the problem, you can get on and fix it.

ChocolateWombat · 04/11/2016 19:04

Don't ignore and carry on. This is what crap parenting looks like - a refusal to consider the constructive information given, from NHS, school etc.
At the very least, check out if this is correct by going to the GP. Don't let your emabbarrasment over this stop you getting confirmation one way or the other. Once the GP confirms or tells you it is an error, you can THEN with full knowledge make changes, or carry on as before.

Yes, there are mistakes made. It doesn't mean that the OP is one and to say, just ignore it and carry on is foolish advice, when we don't know one way or the other. It's a more extreme example, but if someone said they thought a mole you had looked a bit dodgy, you wouldn't listen to someone who said, just ignore it, it's bound to be fine....you'd check it out!

streetch · 04/11/2016 19:05

If you don't believe it you could double check the measurements yourself? I had the same letter about my ds - he is tall and slim and you can see his ribs so I was really shocked. I weighed and measured him myself and their figures were miles out, according to mine he had a perfectly healthy bmi Shock I complained and they investigated and said they had got his information mixed up with another child's! I think this must happen a lot more often than people realise.

slithytove · 04/11/2016 19:09

See we have this problem, ds is 3.5 and on the 98th centile
But he literally couldn't eat less. So what to do?

We are out exercising at weekends. Nursery seem to have the, running about constantly.

He has a massive frame and head. But that doesn't seem to matter.