Weight Loss Requirements For Kids

Childhood obesity is an ever-increasing problem in America. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, obesity in children usually begins at the age of five or six. Once your child’s doctor recommends that she lose weight, take the steps necessary to help her succeed. The weight loss requirements for kids include lifestyle adjustments, dietary changes and increasing her level of physical activity.

Dietary Changes

For your child to lose weight he must make changes in his diet. The Weight Control Information Network recommends making small changes rather than trying to change everything at once. Introduce him to new fruits and vegetables one at a time while at the same time allowing him to have smaller amounts of his favorite foods. Avoid using food as a reward for good behavior or grades, and monitor his portions very carefully. Have a basket in your refrigerator full of healthy snacks such as baby carrots, low-fat cheese sticks and individual servings of fruit.

Exercise

Increasing your child’s level of physical activity through exercise and daily movement is another requirement for successful weight loss. Create an environment in your home that encourages physical activity all day long. According to a publication from the Pennington Nutrition Series, all children should exercise in some form for an hour a day every day of the week. Help your child meet that goal by encouraging outdoor activities like running, biking, playing ball, jumping rope or rollerblading. You can play with him inside by having hula hoop contests, throwing soft balls and jumping on the mini-trampoline. If he is interested, encourage him to join a sports team.

Lifestyle Changes

To successfully lose weight your child needs to make lifestyle changes that will stay with her as she moves into adulthood. The American Diabetes Association encourages you to talk with your child about things that bother her and identifying her future dreams. You can use this talk as a jumping-off point to making changes that will help her meet her goals. Help her be more active by discouraging eating in front of the television and limiting video game time. Set a good example by eating healthy foods and staying active yourself. Avoid fast food restaurants after activities.

Family Involvement

Kids do not lose weight without family involvement. According to a publication from the University of Michigan Health System, “Obesity is not just your child’s problem. It is a problem that the whole family must be involved in solving.” Encourage her good choices by planning and preparing healthy meals together, taking walks in the evening and praising her when she makes good choices on her own. Have a family game night as a reward for a week of good eating. Your whole family may benefit from the healthier choices you are all making.