Hi I am very new here. I have a 17 yr old DS sister. She is about 25-35 pounds overweight. She is 4 and half feet tall and 151 pounds. So she may even be more over weight than we think. He dr writes it off as typical ds child. She loves to shop and would walk for hours if there was a new shirt or notebook involed but to go out and walk the street for exercise FORGET IT. Our mother is older and works late so she has a hard time taking her shopping for exercise. I have her on weekends. WHAT CAN WE DO FOR HER TO HELP HER LOSS SOME WEIGHT. Julie does realize that if she keeps "getting a big belly" she won't be able to breath but she can not relate that to STOP EATING SO MUCH.
Is there any special diets we can help her with? I have to find something for her, I can not imagen life with out my special little sister. Thank you in advance to any little bit of help you may offer.

Welcome, bigsissy.

I can't think of any 'special' diets for DS, I don't think that any exist just for the issue of DS. I would think that encouraging, verbally and by example would be the best path to take. Just like anyone else, who would have to begin dieting (with a little bit more help, of course).

Do you trust her doctors? Does your mother? Honestly to me, your sister does sound about average for a young adult with DS, and if you don't agree with the doctors, maybe you could encourage your mother to get a second opinion.

The thing about the walking for a reward, and not for exercise, is so funny, because I had the same argument with my little brother yesterday! If I had the solution for that one, I would be walking with Patrick everywhere! But he won, and we put on another tape. Good luck, if you think of anything, let me know.

When you stated towards the end that you didn't know what you would do without her, I understand. I practically have panic attacks thinking of Patrick out in the world without me, to be his big sister every moment of the day. But in reality, he does just fine without me. I guess what I was trying to say is, I understand the panic and the fear, but try not to let it take over. I do, occasionally. You are doing a good job, and that's obvious by how much you care. Julie's very lucky to have a big sister that is so concerned.

Good luck!

Thank you for your support. Julie and I just went shopping and she got to pick new shorts. I laughed when you said "he won and you put in another tape." Julie has more tapes than the movie store. She just got another one tonight. She is growing up tho she is into Adam Sandler movies. She did really well this week with not eating as much at break and snack. She even turned down a milkshake tonight :-)