My DD is overweight at five, how can I help her?

[used2bthin]

She is very very active-to the point that I find it exhausting some days-she races around.

She is steroid dependant which could be a factor in terms of metabolism but her dose should be ok and so it shouldnt mean she is puffy.

She loves pasta and cheese and yogurt but eats lots of fruit and veg and has a varied diet I think-possibly too much portion wise but she wakes very early next day if she hasn't had a fairly big tea.

Any tips? I suppose I don't walk her that far these days due to her behaviour-she has SN and quite limited understanding so tends to run off or lie on the floor and refuse to get up when she is overwhelmed. She likes parks though and swimming and riding her bike or scooter. Any ideas? Or anyone going through similar? I am slimmish but have gained weight recently so must be doing something wrong.

Oh also she has recently had an epilepsy diagnosis and I have been a bit scared of wearing her out-she had a long walk with me and DP recently then had a fit next morning, we aren't medicating yet so I am trying to make sure she doesn't get over tired-maybe I have taken it too far.

I think with all her issues, you'd be better speaking to her paediatrician rather than taking advice from here. x

Thanks, yes maybe I wll talk to our GP. Thing is we have so many professionals involved that I am not sure who I would ask-her team dealing with the steroids say she is only slightly overweight so they aren't worried and the paediatrican we saw said limit treats and portion size. I don't think she has that many treats (though the paediatrician said one biscuit or cake or choclate bar a week and she probably has more than that-not an every day occurance though).

I maybe have over complicated it with the SN side of it but wondered if other five year olds are doing more exercise than her? After school do most have quiet time/garden/play at a friends or at park or do you do more planned type of exercise?

Thanks for replies I will speak to our Gp and school about whether they think it is a problem.

If you have a physio or OT they will be able to advise and even set up a realistic fun programme tailored to you and your child. They will take into consideration her medication and other risks such as the epilepsy. You might also ask your team if there is a parenting programme for parents for kids with special needs as they do exist - something like a Tripple P programme but must be for parents of kids with special needs so that the provider has specialist knowledge of the challenges you face, why, and what you can try - as it sounds as though there are some behavioural issues as well.

The lead professional is often the paediatrician, but they can be a bit hit and miss about problems that they cant help with directly, and unbeliveably some dont know all the services in their area so some parents dont get appropriate referrals to other professionals. Be specific and direct in what you want and you are more likely to get it. Bit like going to the hairdressers!

Good luck