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Original poster

Should I worry about the weight of my ds (aged 4)?

16 replies

utterlyconfused · 14/02/2007 13:08

My ds2 is a big boy. I'm not sure exactly how tall he I think it's about 116cm. He'll be 5 in April. He weighs about 4.5 stone. He is solid, and I can certainly pinch an inch (or two) around his waist.
The thing is, he has a healthy diet, and doesn't snack between meals (except for a piece of fruit at school mid-morning). He just loves his food and eats whatever I give him and often asks for more. Should I restrict him? Am in so many minds as he is strong and healthy and I reckon if he's hungry at mealtimes then it's fine to feed him.
What do you all think?

OP posts:
schneebly · 14/02/2007 13:09

does he do much exercise utterly?

schneebly · 14/02/2007 13:10

I ask because I have a 'solid' 3.5 year old who was getting a bit more 'solid' for a while there but we have made sure he gets a bit more exercise and despite growing in height his weight has stayed the same for quite a few months now.

Original poster
utterlyconfused · 14/02/2007 13:12

Well, not structured exercise, but we live in a big house with a lot of space outside, so there is no possibility of becoming a couch potato. That said, ds1 is, and always has been, the sort of child who is constantly on the go. Won't walk if he can run, constantly climbing etc, but ds2 isn't like that. He's a little reluctant, and while he can eg ride his bike, doesn't want to as he says he's no good.

OP posts:
Original poster
utterlyconfused · 14/02/2007 13:13

What have you done to get him to do more exercise?

OP posts:
schneebly · 14/02/2007 13:15

what we did with my DS1 was take him swimming and go for a few more walks together and it seems to have made a difference as I didn't think there was any problems with his diet.

schneebly · 14/02/2007 13:19

just had a look at his height in camparison with his weight (in red book) and he is right at the top of the scale for his geight and a little over the top for weight so there is not a huge discrepany there. Have you thought about asking your HV's opinion?

schneebly · 14/02/2007 13:19

comparison even! my typing is terrible!

Original poster
utterlyconfused · 14/02/2007 13:20

Anyone else? I'd really appreciate advice here. He's recently started swimming lessons, although I don't know if that would make a difference.

OP posts:
MamaG · 14/02/2007 13:21

some kids are just big - some are small. As long as you aren't feeding him crap and he's getting plenty of exercise (whcih sounds to be the case) I'm sure he'll be fine.

My DS is small, even though he eats like a small horse on some days

crazylazydaisy · 14/02/2007 13:23

I dont think you should restrict his food. Sounds like he is having a good diet. Just looked in my "red book" at dd1 weight and she was 5 stone at 5 years, but took age 8 clothes as so tall. dd2 was similar but dd3 is only just aboutthat weight now and she is 8, yet they have all have similar tastes in food. My dd1 is now 14, 5 foot 8 inches and size 12 in womens clothes so was never going to raid the petite section in M & S.
Lots of swimming, walking,footie and bike riding and healthy/filling snacks is what i do - he will probably tower over you by the time he's 12!

schneebly · 14/02/2007 13:23

I really wouldnt worry too much utterlyconfused - as mamaG says all kids are built differently and it doesn't sound as if he is especially heavy for his height.

Original poster
utterlyconfused · 14/02/2007 13:23

I don't really rate the HV. They'll do exactly what you've just done and what I've done too, check the charts and say there's nothing to worry about. The thing is i just don't rate those charts much. Different children have such different make-ups. I just wonder if at this age it would be right to say "no more" at meal times. Obviously there are times when there really isn't any more, and he gets pretty annoyed.

OP posts:
crazylazydaisy · 14/02/2007 13:27

Oh and i make sure mine dirnk a lot as i remember reading that sometimes we feel hungry when actually what we need is more water.

Original poster
utterlyconfused · 14/02/2007 13:29

Sorry, crossed with all those posts. Thank you all. Especially cld - that's fascinating, and your dd1 sounds gorgeous, lucky girl!

OP posts:
crazylazydaisy · 14/02/2007 13:36

Aah, thanks UC - I think so but of course she doesnt! "Im so fat, so ugly, if only i were blonder...." who said that youth is wasted on the young

frances5 · 14/02/2007 15:23

At one point my little boy was on the 9th centile for height and the 75th percentile for weight and I was worried he was over weight. A few months later he is on the 25th centile for height and his weight has dropped inspite of putting on 3cm in height. I think a lot of the excess weight was puppy fat.

I think that it has to be remembered that these charts are averages. My son has a very long body, but short legs. At the age of five he fits into four year trousers so his waist cant be THAT large.

It has helped enrolling my son in more exercises classes. He does Gymnastics very week and also enjoys swimming. I have also increased the amount of fibre in his diet so that he feels full with the calories and I give him semi skimmed milk.

However I dont want my son to feel self concious of his weight. I let him have seconds (or even thirds), but I try not to put too much on his plate.

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