My 12 son is in pop warner football, he has to lose 24lbs in 2 months, its this unhealthy?

Question

he's lost weight at drastic amounts in the past, we're hoping it will be a smoother process this year since we are starting early. He loves football and we plan and helping him achieve his goals. i just don't want to make him suffer. any youth coaches out there with advice? he's 12 190lbs, max for midget team is 166.

Answer 1

24 lbs in 8 weeks would be tough for anyone, let alone a child.  I would be concerned at how he lost the weight.  (2-3 pounds a week is recommended by most doctors)  Fad diets are not good and could result in weight roller coaster for him in the future.  If he is 12 and 190 why not play him up in the next level or have him tryout for his middle school team (which would have no weight limit)  My son is about to play college football in the fall and has always been heavy compared to his classmates.  I don't know where he was at 12 but at 16 he was at least 250.

Answer 2

Well, you didn't give his height, but if he really loves football. He'll lose the extra pounds. plus. at his age just some extra excercise and healthy eating, will make the pounds easily fall off. The coaches are just following the rules.