He has always been a little heavy, but I have not worried about it. He is active - plays basketball, baseball, etc., and seems reasonably fit - and the last thing I want to do is introduce him to the crazy world of weight control.
Yet, after he was weighed at the doctor this morning, he said he's worried. He doesn't get teased (thank goodness!) by anyone other than his brother (who doesn't do it often, but does it enough to make me furious), and he doesn't have any serious self-esteem issues that I've noticed.
Of my five children, he's the one that I'm concerned about. One of them is on the light side of "normal." The other three are on the heavier side of "normal," but still definitely within that range. But I have been making a more serious effort to not use food as rewards (though it's SO much easier than other things), to avoid buying the worst offenders nutrition-wise (soda, cookies, etc.), and have filled my fridge with fruit and raw, easily-accessible veggies. I also cook relatively healthy, balanced meals. I have also invited him on my daily walks (and he accepts about half the time, as does my youngest daughter), and he seems to enjoy it. All of this has happened more consistently in the last month or so, before he made his 'announcement.'
So, the question is: What now? If he were an adult, I would introduce him to food journalling, calorie awareness (or counting, if he wanted), and talk to him about the pros and cons of using the scale as a tool, as well as basic nutrition info such as macronutrients, etc. I have heard so many "I learned to manage my weight when I was young, and it's great to have gained that skill so early" stories. And so many "My obsession with weight began when I was really young, and it's led to disordered eating and a lifetime of obesity" stories.
The "experts" say to just do what I'm doing and leave it there. Provide healthy food and model eating it for him (which gives me added motivation to stay OP), do active things with him, discourage excessive screen time, etc.
I'm curious as what our panel of 3FC experts have to say! 'Cuz, when it comes to diet and nutrition, we have a ton of unrecognized expertise (along with lots of anecdotal data that may or may not be representative and tons of legends and myths). It's a great and interesting mix.