“Why is my daughter gaining weight?”
My daughter is 8 years old and has been gaining a lot of weight. She is not overeating, yet her weight is constantly increasing. What tests should I do to check if everything is all right?
3 Answers
Weight gain comes from gaining more caloric “energy” than what is expended through normal metabolism and activity. It’s possible that her metabolic needs are calorically less than what she consumes, even if that appears normal from your perspective. The best first step is to meet with a pediatric dietitian to assess all sources of caloric intake, food preferences, activity and relationship with food. If that is not revealing, a good history and exam by the primary doctor with appropriate specialist referrals as indicated by that work up, are the best plan for answering this question objectively without bias. Good luck
Weight gain (obesity) has become a major health concern in America. Obesity is progressing at an alarming rate. Above 50% of adults and about 25% of children are considered obese. The rate will increase in the future. There are many reasons why we are gaining more weight. The most important cause is excessive calorie intake and inactivity. Obesity can lead to type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, sleep apnea, various cancers, fatty liver disease, etc. In general it can lead to metabolic syndrome.
Your daughter's weight gain maybe following the general trend in the American society. She could also have medical or hormonal problems.
Besides dietary consultation, behavioral modifications and medications if applicable, she needs evaluation for basic medical metabolic, or genetic conditions. She needs to be screened for thyroid, insulin resistance, cushings, psuedohypoparathroidism, etc.
You need to consult with your primary care physician who will be able to help you to determine what she needs in order to stop the excessive weight gain and maintain reasonable weight in the future.
You will have a better outcome if you do it when she is young.
Good luck
Your daughter's weight gain maybe following the general trend in the American society. She could also have medical or hormonal problems.
Besides dietary consultation, behavioral modifications and medications if applicable, she needs evaluation for basic medical metabolic, or genetic conditions. She needs to be screened for thyroid, insulin resistance, cushings, psuedohypoparathroidism, etc.
You need to consult with your primary care physician who will be able to help you to determine what she needs in order to stop the excessive weight gain and maintain reasonable weight in the future.
You will have a better outcome if you do it when she is young.
Good luck
Weight gain is a multi-factorial process, I recommend to take your daughter to a pediatric endocrinologist that can help you to identify what is causing her to gain weight.
