The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that childhood obesity rates have tripled over the last 30 years. Kids who fall in the obese category, now nearly 20 percent of the population aged six to 19, face an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer and social difficulties as adults. A supportive environment that focuses on healthy choices rather than strict food regulation increases the chances of weight-loss success for your child.
Menu Makeover
Singling out one child by serving him a separate healthy meal may lead to poor self-esteem and emotional problems. Make over the whole family's menu to include more whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Every member of the family stands to increase her health even if the goal of weight loss doesn't apply to her. Get the kids involved in cooking to make them more willing to try new dishes. Take them grocery shopping and to local farmers' markets to pick out fresh produce for your meals.
Family Activities
Increasing the family activity level benefits all of your family members. Add an entertaining twist to physical activities instead of doing a series of boring exercises. A backyard obstacle course encourages activity in an enjoyable format. Set up obstacles with items around the house such as sawhorses, cardboard boxes, yard toys and pillows. Walk or bike to a local park, and enjoy an hour of play time there. Explore a nature preserve or hiking trail for an adventurous workout. Focusing more on family time makes the physical activity seem less like work.
Garden
A home vegetable garden works in different ways to encourage weight loss in kids. The steady supply of fresh vegetables makes it easier to include them in the diet of the entire family. A child who helps out with growing and harvesting the vegetables might be more willing to try different vegetables. Tending the garden adds some physical activity to a child's daily routine. Watering plants, weeding and walking around to harvest the produce encourages children to be active.
Model Healthy Choices
Children look to the adults in their lives for guidance on choices in life. Model healthy choices for your child. Let your child see you choosing healthier foods instead of empty-calorie junk foods. Take time to exercise and take care of your own body. Read food labels and choose healthy options when you go grocery shopping, especially when your kids are with you.
Consult Your Pediatrician
Check with your child's pediatrician before putting him on a diet. While you want your child to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, a growing child also needs enough nutrients and calories for proper growth and body functions. His doctor can recommend a plan for helping him lose weight and help set goals for weight loss. This ensures that he will lose weight at a safe rate.
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