Dr Phil Kieran: Is my son's weight gain due to hormone changes?

Your child likely has nothing to worry about, but making a conscious effort at this stage to develop a positive attitude towards food and body image is an investment in their future health

Dr Phil Kieran: "Hormonal changes can cause a redistribution of weight, and pubertal changes in boys happen on average from age nine to 14, so your son is not too young to experience such changes."

My 10-year-old son has put on quite a bit of weight recently, particularly around his tummy. He’s not a sporty boy but enjoys swimming and horse riding. A friend says it could be due to hormone changes. Could she be right? He seems very young to be starting puberty.

Childhood weight is an important but highly sensitive topic, and one which should be approached with great sensitivity. The stigma around people living with being overweight or obesity is nearly as harmful as the condition itself.