My son had his 2 year well-baby check up today and his doctor was really concerned about his weight. He's always been above average for height and weight. He's in the 97th percentile for height - but weight this time he was off the charts. He weighs 45lbs. He doesn't look like he's "Fat". He's solid, but not fat. He doesn't eat junk food hardly ever - he LOVES fruits and vegetables, and would pass up sweets anytime for them. He doesn't over-eat, and is very active. His doctor wants me to put him on a diet - is it safe to put a toddler on a diet? I'm not sure what I'd even cut out of his current diet that's really bad for him - other then juices full of sugar. She suggested cutting out most of the carbohydrates he eats - such as bread. He loves bread - I think he'd live on that with his fruits and veggies if I'd let him. I'd think that bread was a much better thing for him to love then candy and sweets... She did order a blood test for him to check for a thyroid problem, but said she doesn't expect to find anything. She also said to put him on Skim Milk, which is fine. I guess I've never heard of toddlers being put on diets before ... is it normal?

My daughter is 5 years old and weighs 56lbs which is a little much for her age. She also appears solid but not fat. Her doctor told me to just try not to eat out too much, which we don't, and to try to get her a little more active. He said strict "diets" are not recommended for children so young unless they are extremely overweight, and even then they must be closely monitored. Children need foods from all of the food groups to get the proper nutrition. They make light breads that don't contain as much fat and sugar as regular breads. Maybe he would like those instead of the regular ones. If he is active and isn't overeating then his weight should level itself out. Good luck with the thyroid tests. Hopefully everything will work out.