Suggest Ways To Reduce Weight Of A 11 Year Old Child

Posted on Tue, 14 Apr 2015

Question: My son aged 11 years and two months is about 145 cm tall but weighs around 52 kg. I was worried about obesity and probable thyroid problem or other hormonal problem. I was not expecting any other problem. However, I find that he is anemic. There are many other parameters that are not in the normal range. I am worried if he is having any problem relating to cancer. Hence I am enclosing the report for your perusal and kind advice. I am grateful to you for the time and request you to carefully go through the reports and give me a comprehensive answer. Thanks in advance.

Answered by Dr. Arun (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
needs weight reduction, vitamin d and b12 supplements

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing to us.
Definitely your child is obese considering his weight.
He needs weight reduction by strict dieting and exercise regimen.
From the reports
1. Anemia yes but mild. Can improve with iron susupplements.
2. Low vital D and vitamin B12 and rise in alkaline phosphatase.
This can improve with multivitamin and vitamin d supplements.
3. High lipoprotein a which indicates increased genetic risk for cardiac disease, but no treatment is available for that. Controlling other factors like weight is more important.
Obesity at this age can lead to early cardiac problems.
Wishing your child good health.
Regards
Dr Arun

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Arun (2 hours later)

Thank you for the early response sir. My concern is positive ANA , low TRANSFERRIN SATURATION, low CREATININE - SERUM, high chloride, significantly high alkaline phosphatase, lipoprotein. I forgot to mention that he was having frequent UTI and I got him operated upon for phymosis (circumcision) about 4 months back and he is not on any medication except local application of soframycin occasionally. Medical history of both maternal and paternal grandparents and their peers shows cnacer and heart related ailments. My research on internet drew me to the conclusion that either his liver is damaged/ or infected or he has some disease related to bones. He tires easily and generally not agile or enthusiastic about sports that involve physical movements. These symptoms are also mentioned explicitly for the conditions I am worried. Iron deficiency is also unexpected and his weight is also disproportionately higher to the quantum of food he takes. He is trying a lot with some dance and physical exercise indoors but it is not helping him to reduce weight. Rather the gynecomastia like physique is embarrassing him a lot. I will be taking him to a children's specialist or endocrinologist and that is why I got these tests done. But I want to be sure of what other problems could be there. Thanks for your patience and understanding.

Answered by Dr. Arun (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
not related to liver

Detailed Answer:
Low transferrin is related to iron deficiency anemia.
Low creatinine is normal in kids. Only if it is high it indicates kidney issue.
Positive ANA can occur in autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis Polyarteritis.
Do consult endocrinologist and rheumatologist.
I don't think it is related to liver, but do get ultrasound abdomen to look for fatty liver.
Diet and exercise is must.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Arun (2 days later)

I met the doctor yesterday and was happy to hear that my apprehension about gynecomastia is ill placed and is normal for his weight. He prescribed uprise d3 for 15 days and asked him to eat jaggery as well as leafy vegetables. I am supposed to meet him after a month. Meanwhile, if it is safe, please let me know of some good iron supplement.

Answered by Dr. Arun (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Dexorange pediatric

Detailed Answer:
Dexorange pediatric syrup could be a good option.
I usually prescribe around 5ml once daily.
Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar