Hi Jenn ,

I have a friend who is having a similar problem with her 10 year old daughter. It is not an easy topic to deal with as people are very reluctant to deal with weight issues as to not hurt a persons feelings.

In my friends case, I beleive that her daughter eats out of boredom, not because she is hungry. Now adays I think it is easier for kids to get into a pattern of "couch patoatoism syndrome". It is easier to sit on the couch and watch TV, lay around listening to music rather then go outside and be active. This is where we, as parents need to take some responsibility and direct our children to go and play outside rather then sit around, being bored and there is nothing better to do then eat or sleep with is very unhealthy.

I think your sister is having a hard time with this because she feels maybe she is to blame? Not really sure. I would gently suggest to your sister that it is in her daughters best interest to follow the doctors orders because other health issues can arise from this. Diabetes, heart problems, etc.

Little things can make the difference in a childs weight. Cutting out juices and soda's, chips and cookies. You will be surprised.

My friend started giving her child a Special K breakfast bar and an apple for breakfast. She lost 4 pounds in 4 weeks. This is a start.

Like I said, this is a very touchy subject and there really isnt an easy way to approach it. Please keep us posted, ok.


Hugs,

Jen