Excessive Nutrition Intake Problem

You said that you were concerned that your child eats too much. S/he probably eats more than other children his/her age. S/he may be overweight for his/her age. S/he may only like certain foods and continually ask for more. You may even notice that your child steals or sneaks food that s/he is not supposed to have. S/he may be less active than other children his/her age. S/he probably does not like to be physically active.

Children who watch a lot of TV are more likely to be overweight. Sometimes children eat too much because they feel bad about themselves. Your child's doctor will help you understand why your child eats too much. Your child's doctor will also tell you some ways to help.

Warning signs that things are getting worse

• Your child refuses to eat any healthy foods and eats too much junk food.
• Your child has medical or physical problems because s/he has gained so much weight.
• Your child is teased by other children because of his/her weight.
• Your doctor says your child is obese (very overweight).

If you think these things are getting worse, talk to your child's doctor even if you have talked about it before.

American Academy of Pediatrics (1996). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Primary Care. Elk Grove Village, Illinois: Author.