Two Year old “overweight”

[oopsididitagain66]

My son had his two year review last week, at which his weight and height was recorded. The nurse went on to tell me that after working out his BMI which was “very high” so he was overweight and suggested I see a nutritionist. He is a healthy happy boy, maybe a bit on the chunky side but absolutely nothing unusual in my eyes. I assume by pointing us towards a nutritionist it was to help him lose weight. I politely declined as he has a very healthy, varied diet at home and eats well.

Is this the norm?

Might be worth doing as advised, save him any problems when older?

I hope that the lack of answers from @oopsididitagain66 means that they are reconsidering accepting the onwards referral.

It’s not to cast blame, just to set small children up for a healthier life as they grow up. If there’s nothing that needs changing, that will be reassuring.

As a Registered Nutritionist, be thankful for the referral. I am very busy with children who were overweight as toddlers and became overweight and obese teens. Nutritionists will not put your child on a 'diet' or try to get them to lose weight. We're trying to get them and their family onto eating a healthier nutritious diet, full of variety and in balance (including the right portion sizes). So rather than lose weight the aim is for the child to grow into their weight so that they grow up in proportion to their height to be healthy and strong. Be grateful that this has been flagged at an early age so you can more easily change things.

I would certainly see the nutritionist, and see what they have to say, and what their specialist opinion is.

Thank you for all of the advice and opinions, which seems to differ a lot (and some of which are very OTT to say the least). I am still of the opinion that he does not need to see a nutritionist (when I heard this offer I immediately thought they were putting him on a diet although I realise this may not be the case). I have however reduced his milk intake and switched from full fat to semi skimmed. He comfortably fits in his 2-3 year clothing (most of which is still
more than roomy) and is even still in some 18-24 months, therefore I must admit that I’m not at all concerned and was just wondering whether BMI was always used at this age and don’t remember it with my older children.

In my experience as a mum with a chunky toddler and a nurse who sees lots of patients the parents BMI seems to be the biggest indicated. Our eldest was chunky and her 2 year check flagged she was overweight, DH and I very healthy active and slim. By the time she was 5/6 she was slim with healthy BMI (she’s strong though- muscular thighs and a 6 pack!). 2nd DC was always slim. Same diet same home etc.
I find with kids who are overweight if the parents are overweight they tend to stay that way and follow their parents whereas with slimmer parents they tend to thin out. I know weight is complex, being fat doesn’t = greed but for the majority if the whole family are overweight it’s due to lack of activity and eating too much unhealthy food.

It sounds like you are making changes the nutritionist would have recommended eg semi skimmed milk not whole milk for age 2 and above.
Is it worth accepting the referral which is unlikely to be quick and then by time it comes through with an appointment cancel if not needed.

Why go for a two year review and then completely ignore what they are telling you?