Child Obesity | Child Obesity Information

Question: Question about obese child weight loss?

(Posted by: carmarhal on 2006-04-22 10:24:15)

Our foster child is almost 7 years old and weighs 158 lbs. (She should weigh about 70 lbs for her height.) She has been with us for 3 weeks and has lost 10 lbs. in that time, just by eating normal meals and playing outside. I've always heard that a person shouldn't lose more than 3 lbs. a week, but I'm wondering if it's different for people who are morbidly obese. Is it safe for someone with that much extra weight to lost more than 3 lbs. a week? I was just thinking that if she was losing 3 lbs. a week without really any effort, maybe an actual exercise schedule would help her lose the weight faster. Any pediatricians or dieticians out there, or anyone with knowledge in this area?

Posted by: pepsi_one23 on 2006-04-25, 10:55:58

Let her continue doing what she's doing. Don't change something that's working fine just the way it is. I know for adults, it's normal to lose a lot of weight at first because it's mostly water weight. I think it's best to talk this over with her pediatrician.

Posted by: cgc17788 on 2006-04-22, 10:26:46

I don't have any medical experience or knowledge on this subject but in my opinion, as long as she's losing weight in a natural way and not by any diet or pills, then there's no reason why it should be unsafe.

Posted by: detisha_1 on 2006-04-22, 10:29:09

Well personally I think you are taking good care of her so she should be just fine.Just make sure she drinks plenty of water and continue to do what you are doing.