Diet? Action? - General Health Message Board

mrsaverage · 04-21-2006, 11:18 AM

I was speaking to my 16 year-old son's physical education teacher at my son's parents evening and she said to me privately that he could do with losing some weight. I hadn't considered my son fat in the past, but he does carry alot of weight around his waist - and his teacher said that he gets fatigued and out of breath a lot whilst doing p.e.
I stood him on the scales at home and they read 145lbs, and he is 5"6-7. He has a 36" waist, which admittidely is very flabby and rolly.
However, I don't think he thinks he is fat, and goes swimming with his friends etc. undettered.

Do you think I should be concerned?
Thanks
Mrs. A

wakkochic17 · 04-21-2006, 01:39 PM

sounds like he's got some extra weight, but it doesn't sound terribly unhealthy. Although on that note the waist and torso is the most unhealthy place to carry extra weight. It's possible he's in shape enough to do some basic things like swim, but not in-shape for more vigorous exercises. I know when I was growing up I would swim for hours with my friends in our pool, but if I tried to run a mile I would keep over! It may just be an opportunity to review his activity level and his eating habits..

mrsaverage · 04-22-2006, 02:49 AM

I've heard that carrying weight around your waist is bad for you, but why?

I don't want to pressure him about it, because my eldest daughter was severely obese, and she really struggled emotionally and physically to lose the weight, and she is still overweight. He witnessed these struggles and wants nothing to do with it.

scarlet_fay · 04-22-2006, 10:47 AM

HI,

Your son is definitely overweight (unless he is particularly muscular, which might account for the extra weight), but by your post it would appear he should lose a few pounds.

Having that much fat around the stomach area is one if the major factors for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even some types of cancers, so it is important that he gets it off.

I do understand that dieting is difficult for everyone, no one wants to go with out food, but while it is very emotionally and physically hard to loose weight, it is much better than the struggles of heart disease or cancer in the future.

I know your son is older and it can be hard to get through to them but it is so important for his future health and for his self confidence that you do try to get him through it.

Good luck

espda · 04-22-2006, 11:34 AM

It doesn't seem like your son's weight is necessarily out of control, but this is the time to help him form good habits to keep him healthy.

Seeing as this comment came from his PE teacher, what if you meet with him/her and ask about ways to increase his physical activity? Maybe you can do something active with him and improve both of your health (we could all use that!). There's lot of ways to exercise without really calling it that. Cycling, frisbee, etc.

It seems to me that if you are nervous about pressuring him about his diet, attack the issue from the other end - his activity level. At the same time, try to quietly add more healthy food at home, and stop buying some of the junk. I don't know what is in your cupboards, but kids can only eat what is available. I don't thing you really should openly address this with him, just quietly try to nudge him in the right direction. Also, look over your family's habits, we all learn from what we see around us! If everyone makes some changes together, he won't feel targeted. Good luck! Kim