London ? Connor McCreaddie might need to shed some pounds if he wants to stay with his mother.

Authorities are considering taking the 8-year-old boy who weighs 218 pounds into protective custody unless his mom improves his diet, officials said Monday.

Social service officials will meet with family members today to discuss the health of Connor McCreaddie, who weighs more than three times the average for his age.

A spokeswoman for health officials in Wallsend, North Tyneside, said the hearing was part of a process that eventually could lead to Connor being taken into protective care.