As of 2010, it was estimated that one out of three children are overweight or obese, according to the website Kids Health. Being overweight increases the chances for kids to end up with diseases such as Type 2 diabetes and heart failure. Losing weight will help your child have self-confidence and an overall increase in energy. There are simple lifestyle changes that can help younsters to lose weight at no cost. Children should not follow a fad diet that may not provide the right amount of nutrients needed for their growth and development.
Step 1
Determine how much weight your child needs to lose and set it as a goal. You can use a body mass index or BMI calculator, such as the one available on the Centers for Disease and Control Prevention's website, to get an idea of what would be considered normal weight for your child.
Step 2
Always include breakfast in your child's diet. Children need calories and overall nutrition in the morning to perform their daily activities at school and for growth. Their bodies can go into starvation mode if they don't receive the proper intake of food, which results in weight-gain, as it will store the little food it gets. Eating breakfast will prevent your child from being overweight, according to the article "Skip Breakfast, Pack on the Pounds," by Amanda Gardner for U.S. News.
Step 3
Reduce the amount of sedentary activities in your child's life. Being outdoors playing with friends, pets or family keeps your child active as opposed to watching hours of television or playing video games. It may not be your child's first choice to play outside, but if you limit television watching to 30 minutes per day, she will be more likely to find outdoor activities interesting.
Step 4
Avoid giving your child any type of processed food or fried foods such as french fries. Candy, chips and sodas contain a high amount of sugar, which not only causes weight gain but can also cause diabetes in children.
Step 5
Monitor any changes with your child by keeping a diary and also taking pictures throughout the process. This will help your child to remain motivated, and it will teach him about how his lifestyle choices directly affect his health and image.
Things You'll Need
- BMI Calculator
- Diary
- Camera (optional)
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