How To Lose Weight Easy For Kids

Kids should eat healthy meals and get regular physical activity in order to develop properly. If they consume more calories than they burn, they are at risk for becoming overweight and are more likely to develop weight-related issues such as high blood pressure, gall bladder disease and depression, according to the Nemours Foundation. If you believe your child should lose weight, your pediatrician can assess her health and, if necessary, give you some helpful pointers. Weight loss for kids isn't about fasting or frequenting a gym, but about adopting healthy habits that will last a lifetime.

Step 1

Write down goals for your child based on your pediatrician's recommendations. If she suggested that your child gradually lose weight, you may aim to help your child lose about a pound a week by cutting 500 calories through daily diet and exercise. Alternately, the doctor may have said that your child will naturally be able to lose weight if he doesn't gain pounds as he grows taller. If this is the case, you might set a broad goal such as, "Cut back on junk food and television time."

Step 2

Buy or prepare healthy snacks so that they are readily available. If your child frequently eats healthy foods throughout the day, she will be less likely to overeat at meals. Make sure these healthy snacks replace the majority of empty-calorie snack foods in your pantry so that she will make healthier choices when she is hungry for a snack. Also consider packing carrot sticks, pretzels, a piece of fruit or some string cheese into your child's backpack before she goes to school.

Step 3

Cook and eat dinner together. Allow your child to select the colorful vegetables that will be in a stir-fry and ask him to help you throw them into the mix. Use this cooking time to bond and discuss good nutrition, suggests the Nemours Foundation. Your child may also be more willing to try new, healthy meals if you are at the dinner table to observe his eating habits and if he feels a sense of pride over his contribution.

Step 4

Exercise with your child. Kids need about 60 minutes of activity each day but this exercise can be in spurts of five to 10 minutes, according to The Weight-Control Information Network, an information service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Start exercising gradually by walking to school with your child, if possible, and planning active family trips such as outings to the zoo and walking your dog after dinner. Your child will eventually develop more stamina and be better prepared to engage in more active hobbies, such as family hikes, down the line.

Step 5

Sign her up for activities. She may not be interested in competitive sports such as basketball and soccer, but she may enjoy individual activities such as gymnastics or dancing. If she is overwhelmed by the prospect of any organized activity, she will still get plenty of exercise if you provide her with active toys such as a jump rope, a bicycle, roller blades and motion-sensor sports and dancing video games.