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How can I help my 5 year old daughter lose weight? The doctor keeps telling me she is overweight.

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Hi there and thank you for your question! 

I do not recommend you help your daughter lose weight because she is still very young and growing. Generally, a child her age gains around 4-5 pounds and grow about 2-3 inches per year (1). Normal growth — support by adequate nutrition, plenty of sleep, and regular exercise — is one of the best signs of a child's health, not weight alone. Unless the doctor expressed a deep concern about her growth pattern and overall health, I encourage you to focus on building healthy habits for your daughter rather than focusing on her weight. 

Here are some Lifestyle pages that you may find helpful: 

Hope this helps! Wishing you and your daughter health and wellness!

 

Cheers,

Anna Ng, RD

Reference: 

1. "Growth and Your 4- to 5-Year-Old." KidsHealth. Reviewed June 2019. Accessed December 2020. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/growth-4-to-5.html#:~:text=Kids%20at%20this%20age%20are,is%20about%2040%20inches%20tall. 

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Jennifer WeissmanRegistered Dietitian

“Funded by USDA SNAP, an equal opportunity provider and employer. Visit http://calfreshhealthyliving.org for healthy tips.”