Overweight 13 Year Old

[Reab8]

Hi, not sure if I have posted in the best place but will see

My DS has measured on the 95th centile today so is classed overweight nearly obese. I know it's difficult at this age as they are growing, and I also don't want to give him food/body issues. I feel like I'm fighting with my DH against it as well as he doesn't overly bother about nutrition/diet and he was overweight as a child so probably thinks he'll just even out.

Anyone had success with teen boys slimming down? Any tips? Say if I measure him again in 3 months do I ideally want him to have stayed the same weight? We are at the gym 3 times a week plus dog walking and I'm planning healthy meals and snacks.

He's already been given food/body issues if he's 13 and nearly obese.

How does he feel about it himself?

Does he want to lose weight? If so, that's half the battle.

You want him to not put on more weight, rather than loose weight - so basically grow into his weight.

And that is mainly going to be down to eating less, and eating better.

If he's nearly obese he needs to be losing weight before it starts to damage his health.

No point in waiting for a growth spurt that might not make any difference.

My 16 year old son lost 10kg s this summer. He is eating 1800 calories a day and burning 2 800, he is at the gym 6 days a week and incorporating more exercise in, in general.

He is v strict about his food, bought the measuring jugs, weighing scales and is doing it all himself. He watches weight lifting videos etc.

2 of his friends trained as lifeguards a year ago and I think the stark difference and growing interest in girls and getting talking to girls spurred him on.

Keep supporting him, increase protein, reduce carbs. It might take a few years before he gets really enthusiastic about it.

Walk to school, if he can

Thanks for the responses everyone. I think DS is aware of his weight, it's something we will sit down and chat about fully. Take on the point he probably does have issues already - he will have a mood sometimes say if he can't have the same portion size as us. I don't think he looks too overweight with his clothes on, he can still fit it in age appropriate clothes and can run around with other kids etc. so has never been a target for bullies etc. I think we we going to aim for a bit of weight loss before Christmas.

Just posting on this thread to give an update, didn't realise it was a year ago! My son is now within the healthy weight range (albeit near the top) according to NHS, so he is growing/slowing down his weight and heading in right direction. Just wanted to update incase anyone in the same scenario and worried - it can improve even if its gradually - regular gym sessions and just keeping an eye on diet.

Amazing work op, well done.
lovely update 😊

Op that’s great to hear! How did you do it? Have a similar situation with my son and not sure how to approach it

Thank you - a combination of him growing in the last year, being disciplined with gym at least 3 times a week and sensible with food and not too many treats