Obesity - any advise on helping my child who is 8 years old and is 123lbs? Dr's dont seem to care?

You should try taking him to an endocrinologist for a good workup to make sure something unusual (that a pediatrician may not pick up on) is going on. There are some endocrine problems that constant eating is a symptom. If the specialist cannot find anything then I recommend you talk with a registered dietician. They can help you with his diet. In the meantime, keep the junk food out of the house. If it is not there he cant eat it! He is young so he cant just hop in his car and go eat what he wants. He needs to learn how to eat properly. To me though, I just have a suspicion that something is not right. Try an endocrinologist first. If you need a referral from his pediatrician, just insist on it or take him to a second opinion pediatrician-keep trying until you get someone to take this seriously. Try to get him out playing and doing physical activity. Take him to the playground and get him to run and climb. Keep him away from the TV. TV is dangerous for people with weight problems.

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Too many commercials are food!!! They are meant to stimulate the appetite. Then, of course, if you are in front of the TV, you are not moving around and getting exercise. You may need to become your childs coach and coach him through food choices and activities. Try to make exercise fun for him. Try not to use food as a reward though. This set him up for poor behavior. I really feel in my heart that there is something going on that your pediatrician is overlooking. There is some reason that his appetite is in overdrive. Be persistant with the Drs. I think an endocrine Dr might be able to get to the bottom of it because they are the specialist when it comes to metabolic kinds of issues. Good Luck and keep us posted.

My heart goes out to u . I too had an emotional 8 yr old that loved to be in control. 10 years later I have realized that I have control but had to let her think she was in control. 8 year olds want to be wanted loved & respected. If 8 wants to pig out fine. When there are only fruits and veggies to grub on 8 will adjust eventually. Cutting out the carbs and gluten really does make a difference. Asking them how they feel and what u can do different or,better helps. Letting 8 plan an outing or do something to be useful vs. a burden. Recognizing its a struggle for both of u. Us ADd, ADHD,autistic, Ocd, people have feelings. And can be supper sensitive, aggressive,demanding,impatient. It seems like everything's abundant. 1 kiss turns to five. 1 hug turns to a really tight squeeze or total shyness and clamming. Just like other kids but extreme. Those are the Times when u say its ok to b shy. I love you. It feels good to hug u. It's ok to hug me back. Try it.

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Let's practice. I'm 34 and I still need coaching. We practice as a family now. Hugs can help get those good brain chemicals flowing. In my journey and experience Many adopted kids with mental health issues really have questions that aren't answered. Emotions trapped inside because people don't acknowledge them or don't have answers to them. It's important to get it out and learn tools to get them out and cope. To heal. The meds may b making it worse. It takes a village to raise a child.