In 2007, some 17 percent of children aged 2 to 19 were obese, according to statistics gathered by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In children aged 2 to 5, the obesity rate doubled to more than 10 percent from a previous study conducted between 1976 and 1980.
An appropriate diet for a young child involves teaching proper nutrition and good eating habits and may require help from a health care provider. For that reason, commercial diet plans are not recommended for young children.
Food Pyramid
Following the American Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) food pyramid for young children can help your child learn to make good choices, lose weight, and maintain a healthy weight into adulthood. The food pyramid details the types of foods, including whole grains, proteins and fruits and vegetables, your child should be eating. It also focuses on appropriate portion sizes for each group. The daily guide for young children targets kids from ages 2 to 6 and emphasizes healthy choices. The food pyramid only makes food suggestions, and parents should supplement it with daily exercise or activity.
Trim Kids
Trim Kids is a 12-week program by Melinda S. Sothern, T. Kristian Von Almen and Heidi Schumacher that teaches children the basics of healthy eating to help them lose weight and keep it off. The plan teaches children and parents strategies for eating fewer junk foods, adding fiber to the diet, consuming less sugar, and identifying and eating fewer saturated fats. The plan is based on the authors' experience working at a pediatric weight management clinic.
Nutritionist- or Pediatrician-Assisted Diet
Nutritionists or health care providers can suggest an eating plan that will give your child the calories he needs for energy as well as the nutrition required for health. Your health care provider may refer you to a pediatric weight loss clinic that will help you and your child learn about healthy eating and exercise while closely monitoring progress. The clinic at Pennsylvania State University in Hershey, Pennsylvania, offers physicals, nutritional counseling, and physical activity training for participants.
Member Comments