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QUESTION:
"My son is almost 11 and he's been a "stocky" boy. Broad shoulders, thick thighs and all but never overweight until recently...he has ADHD and takes medication for it that suppresses his appetite (I'm not asking or wanting opinions on this so please just don't @me) but he spent the summer with his dad without his meds and gained 20lbs while he was there! He told me they could eat whatever whenever the whole time he was there. I'm definitely not trying to shame him but he came home with rolls on his stomach and keeps calling himself fat. I *being overweight myself * tell him, no you aren't but we need to watch what you eat to be healthy. He plays baseball so he is active but I'm just really worried he will have a weight problem the rest of his life like I do if I don't do intervene. I already encourage healthy snacks like fruit and veggies and limit junk food. Any other tips or ideas to help me keep him at a healthy weight?"
RELATED: AITA For Making My Friend Feel Insecure About Her Weight?
TOP ANSWERS (AS SELECTED BY MODERATOR):
The following top answers have been selected by a moderator from hundreds of responses to the original question.
"Start running with him every morning or evening"
"I know when my son was that age he was pudgy. I think it’s the age. He skimmed out and is tall and skinny now. He’s 14"
"My son was overweight at that age as well. Now 14 over 6’ tall and 160. He grew into his weight in a flash. Just an awkward puberty stage."
"Encourage him to be active play more sport or go on bike rides, walks, etc. With the healthy food watch the portions too."
"Leave the kid be a kid. The world's hard enough without trying to force weight loss at 11!"
"A gap in between taking medications can have negative effects. My stepson's mom did this with his medications on the weekends. Not instructed by his doctor either. Not sure what your situation with those meds is, but I’d maybe try and work out some time of routine with everyone for his mediation.
Best wishes"
"My son is 5 and almost 5ft tall pushing 90lbs. Yes I know he’s big but I’ve tried everything to get it under control. He does not eat much at all so I’m not sure if there’s an underlying issue or not. Dr said he’s fine for now but definitely work on exercises WITH him. Don’t make him do them alone u get up and do them with him so he’s not alone"
"When my son was going into junior high he was on the chunky side, but then come high school he hit his growth spurt. Got taller and dropped all his weight he's now 19 and still skinny."
"I’m in the same boat pretty much, I’ve found being open and honest with my son about my struggles with food and sweets helps him know he’s not alone, also trying to be a good example for him and exercise with him helps keep us both motivated to be healthy, I can’t emphasize enough to use those exact words! We’re NOT on a diet, we’re making changes to be healthy, the rest will follow, if you think you can control what he eats, forget it! They’ll sneak it out hide it, let’s face it, we do it too because we’re ashamed, sit with him and make a pact, do it together! Get healthy together, best of luck mama, good habits you both create now will follow in his future"
"Why was he off his meds?? I won’t worry about it he’s a kid. However, playing with his meds like that isn’t good."
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