Overweight or obese children can face serious health risks, even medical conditions that were once seen only in adults like hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes. If your child is overweight, he may also suffer from emotional and social issues in addition to physical problems. Consult your child's doctor or a registered dietitian before you change his diet.
Foods to Avoid
If your child is overweight or obese, you shouldn't provide foods containing lots of saturated fats and cholesterol, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Limiting carbohydrates and sugary foods can also help your child to lose weight. Teach your child to choose healthy foods that aren't high in fat or sugars and low in nutrients, advises the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Avoid cooking meals for your child that contain fatty meats, whole-milk dairy products and high-calorie foods with little nutritional value. Limit or eliminate sugary sodas, candy and unhealthy treats, as well as potato chips, French fries and other salty foods or snacks. Eliminate processed foods and limit meals from fast-food restaurants, the Mayo Clinic recommends.
Foods to Add
Provide your child with meals and snacks that are rich in fruits and vegetables, the Mayo Clinic advises. Instead of high-fat and sugary foods and snacks, your child should eat a variety of healthy foods like whole grains and low-fat dairy products.
Provide meals and snacks throughout the day that contain six to 11 servings of whole grains, three to five servings of vegetables, two to four servings of fruit, two to three servings of low-fat dairy, and two to three servings of lean meats and beans, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Low-fat, whole-grain breads and cereals, lean meats and skinless poultry are healthy choices for your child.
Significance
Obesity is an increasing problem in children, particularly in the United States, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Overweight children can suffer from many different chronic health problems, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes, liver disease and depression. Overweight or obese children often face social discrimination and self-esteem problems as well. Children usually become overweight or obese due to the same reasons as adults, mainly a poor diet that's high in fat and a lack of physical activity, the Mayo Clinic says.
Dangers
Because overweight children have a higher risk of growing up to be overweight or obese adults, they're more likely to develop heart disease, stroke, heart attack and certain types of cancer, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. In addition to these dangerous health risks, overweight children can suffer from sleep apnea, orthopedic problems and asthma. If your child is overweight, he or she can develop hormonal imbalances that can cause early onset of puberty or menstruation, the Mayo Clinic notes. They can suffer from behavioral and learning problems, bullying, anxiety and poor social skills.
Tips
In order for your child to eat a healthier diet, you and the rest of your family will need to do so as well. Replace sugary drinks like soda with plenty of water throughout the day, provide a healthy breakfast each day to prevent cravings, and keep all unhealthy foods and snacks out of reach in your home, advises the University of Michigan Health System. Eating together at your dining table instead of while watching television can also encourage healthier eating.
You should encourage your child to eat only at planned meal and snack times, and pack a healthy lunch for your child if your school lunch program has too many unhealthy choices, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Also, don't limit your child's overall caloric intake unless his or her pediatrician advises you to do so.
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