Your child may be overweight due to genetic factors, unhealthy eating habits or lack of physical activity. Medline Plus states that the number of overweight children is growing. Being overweight increases risks of diseases such as type 2 diabetes.
Only your child's doctor can determine if his weight is in a healthy range. If the doctor determines that your child should lose some weight, you can take steps to help your child lose weight in a way that is quick and does not cost a lot of money.
Step 1
Establish goals with your child's input. MayoClinic.com recommends starting with small goals that are easier to stick with and accomplish in order to encourage your child. You can start by cutting out one unhealthy habit at a time or aim for your child to lose just a small percentage of her weight to start. Once she reaches her goal, reward her with praise or a special toy.
Step 2
Provide healthy food for your child to eat. Your child may enjoy eating fresh or dried fruit or fresh vegetables with some dip. Weight-Control Information Network states that you may need to offer a food to your child 10 times before he will eat it, so continue to offer healthy food even if your child doesn't seem interested. Replace sugary or soft drinks with water or low-fat milk, and limit fast food, chips, cookies and candy.
Step 3
Encourage physical activity. Your child can join a sports team or simply play outside after school. Aim for him to have 60 minutes of physical activity a day. This does not need to be done all at once. You can break it up into 10 minutes increments throughout the day.
Step 4
Limit sedentary activity, such as television and computer or video games. MayoClinic.com recommends only allowing 2 hours of screen time for each person in your household a day.
Step 5
Get the whole family involved in the weight loss process so that he does not feel singled out. This also provides him with a good example for healthy activity. MayoClinic.com states that your child is encouraged to be physically active if you make it a priority in your own life. You can take trips to the zoo or go for family walks after dinner, and eat healthy foods together as a family.
Tips and Warnings
- Talk to your child's doctor if you have established healthy habits in your home and your child's weight still hasn't changed. The doctor may recommend a weight treatment program in a nearby hospital or clinic. Listen to concerns that your child has about her weight. She may be more likely to lose weight if she knows that she is acknowledged and cared for.
- Do not give children under 4 years old foods such as popcorn, raisins, nuts, seeds or whole grapes. These foods are choking hazards, so cut them into small pieces if you are feeding them to a child. Weight-Control Information Network states that before adolescence, your child is not ready for activities such as running on the treadmill or lifting weights. Do not restrict fat intake for children less than 2 years of age. According to Medline Plus, your child needs the fat in her diet.
Things You'll Need
- Healthy foods
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