11 year old daughter

Question
We have tried classes offered by hospitals and other forums, but the weight continues.  She is around 5'2 and is now up to 173 lbs.  I am considering Weight Watchers ..but I am afraid of the adding to the eating issues by putting her on a "diet".  This has been an on going problem since she was 7 years old.  She has no control and loves to eat.  She is very active, but clearly not active enough.  The majority of the weight is in her stomach area and now she is soon off to middle school.  I found the web site for Slimkids and wondering if this is what we should try.  Thoughts or suggestions?

Answer
Dear Sally, To lose weight she won't be able to eat what she wants, she must start to change her eating habits and walk daily. Hopefully this is something she wants to do and not you just telling her she has to do it. Leave it up to her. Tell her when she is ready to lose weight by making a commitment to healthy eating and daily exercise, then you and the family will be there to help her.
In my opinion, overweight kids eat too many foods that contain too many carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are easily digested, they cause a bit of a sugar high, because carb foods (unless they contain fiber) are digested into sugar. The body has to deal with that sugar by releasing insulin. You need insulin to store fat. This cycle of up and down blood sugars causes hunger and food cravings. Food better suited for overweight kids would be foods like: lean meats, chicken, fish, pork, tuna fish, fish, eggs, whole grain breads, whole fruits, lot's of vegetables, low fat dairy, and healthy fats like those in salad oils. Foods to avoid are those like bagels, white bread, excess cereal, cookies, crackers, chips, sugar, pasta, mac and cheese, pizza, excess milk, sugar drinks, ice cream.
I said to avoid, but she can have those types of foods occasionally. When she does eat those foods again, it will get her food cravings going again she will want those foods every few hours, so beware.
hope that helps, Laura Kraemer,Slimkids.com  

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