I would like to apply the "weight watchers" point system (which is a
chart that takes into account calories, fiber and fat) to a child's
diet. [Note: not looking for judgments or advice about whether or not
this is a good idea, unless it's to suggest a better counting system].
The problem is the system doesn't go "down" to the child level. I am
looking for (eg. the total daily points for an eight year old boy).
And/or how to extrapolate the system as it is downwards.
[Please avoid sending me a list of helpful websites instead of an
answer, thanks]...
Charley

I thought that I should mention this as a comment, in case you or
persons researching this question have not have noticed it.  With
respect to weight problems for children, Weight Watchers' president
recently stated:

"In the words of our Chief Scientist, Karen Miller-Kovach, MS, RD, 'We
are convinced that scientifically responsible approaches to this
serious and growing problem are on the horizon, but it is equally
important to acknowledge that the methods now available for adults
cannot be responsibly used by children.'

"Once effective solutions for treating overweight children have been
established, Weight Watchers will be on the forefront making them
readily available around the world.  But until then Weight Watchers
membership will not be available to any child under the age of 10
under any circumstances."

Google cache of "Hello from Linda Huett - CEO, Weight Watchers
International - April 2003 President's Message"
Weight Watchers
http://216.239.57.100/search?q=cache:YH2pIU1LJNIC:www.weightwatchers.com/aboutus/i3_au_works_linda.asp

According to the NIH:

"Children should never be placed on a restrictive diet to lose weight,
unless a doctor supervises one for medical reasons. Limiting what
children eat may be harmful to their health and interfere with their
growth and development."

NIH - HELPING YOUR OVERWEIGHT CHILD
http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/nutrit/pubs/helpchld.htm

However, checking with your healthcare provider or local hospital
might net you a program that is specifically designed for children and
is monitored by professionals.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics ---

"Many community hospitals and specialized clinics offer formal
weight-loss programs for children. For some obese youngsters, these
programs may be worth considering. The best candidates are children
who are at least 30 percent to 40 percent overweight and who are in
basically good health, without any significant physical or
psychological problems. Families of these youngsters must be willing
to provide support and help their offspring implement and follow
through on the eating and exercise plans that are recommended."


What About a Formal Weight-Loss Program?
http://www.medem.com/MedLB/article_detaillb.cfm?article_ID=ZZZB92U8W7C&sub_cat=382
 
Finally, here are some more tips on weightloss for children --

Overweight Kids

"If a child is more than 40% overweight, a doctor-guided weight loss
program may be suggested. During the course of the program, the
emphasis should be on adopting a healthier lifestyle for the long
term, not just on losing weight now. "

OVERWEIGHT KIDS
http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_fit/nutrition/childs_weight_p2.html

Hope that helps --

-K~

Important comments and very responsible.  A child's metabolism is
markedly different from an adult's metabolism and children should only
be placed on a diet under the watchful eye of a licensed physician.

Perhaps more exercise for your son is what is required - is he
interested in any sports or aerobic-type activities such as bike
riding, rollerblading, skateboarding etc.?  If I were you, I'd ask his
pediatrician for suggestions.

Hi There

I note in your original question that you state:

"[Note: not looking for judgments or advice about whether or not
this is a good idea, unless it's to suggest a better counting system]"

but I believe that the comments from my fellow researchers suggest
that you really should approach this issue with the guidance of a
qualified medical practitioner/pediatrician/nutritionist.

Best of luck :)
jem-ga