The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry explains that children who are obese between the ages of 10 and 13 have an 80 percent chance of becoming overweight adults. While several factors contribute to this, including behavioral and environmental factors, a child's risk surges if one of his parents is obese. This risk increases further if both parents are overweight. The good news is that this is not an insurmountable problem; Both children and adults can conquer and win the battle of obesity together.
Step 1
Set small goals for each family member. The road to weight loss success begins with setting small goals both child and parent can achieve. MayoClinic.com suggests switching from whole milk to low-fat, or drinking water in place of soda.
Step 2
Stock the house with healthy foods. Make this a family affair, allowing kids to have a say in the fruits and vegetables taking the place of the chips and candy. Take one day and clear the cupboards of all the sugar-filled items, immediately followed by a trip to the grocery store. Let everyone take turns in choosing one healthy food, making it a fun game rather than a dietary punishment.
Step 3
Talk about fun games and exercises the whole family can do. Exercise is a vital aspect of weight loss, and the Weight-Control Information Network says physical fitness should be a family affair. From household chores such as washing the car, to a family bike ride through the park or playing a game of tag in the back yard, getting away from the TV and moving is a step in the right direction.
Step 4
Set reasonable rules for TV time. If exercise and weight loss efforts are going to be successful, it is necessary to set rules regarding the amount of time spent in front of the TV and computer. MayoClinic.com points out that these rules need to pertain to mom and dad too.
Step 5
Set up a reward system. For weight loss to be a success, both children and adults need to have a reward system in place. It's OK for dieters to treat themselves so they do not feel completely deprived. Once everyone has been faithful to the dietary changes for one week, allow them one meal at the end of the week to enjoy anything they like. The next day, however, they must begin their routine again. Knowing they have that meal to look forward to at the end of each week enables them to stay on track.
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