If your child is overweight or obese, you may want to consider a weight loss schedule to get him into shape. Many kids struggle with their weight. Kids Health reports that one in every three children is considered overweight or obese. If you can develop a routine that your child can easily follow, he will learn how to exercise and be healthy.
Significance
It is important for children to be active and not lead a sedentary lifestyle. Overweight children are more likely to carry their weight and bad eating habits into adulthood. Obesity can lead to myriad life-threatening conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol levels, liver problems, stroke, hypertension, osteoporosis and certain types of cancers, explains the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A weight loss schedule planned in advance will help your daughter be sure she gets her daily recommended exercise -- even if it is split up throughout the day.
Time Frame
Kids should not spend all of their time in front of the television or sitting on the phone. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services notes that the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend children and adolescents get up to 60 minutes of moderate exercise each day. In order to make his weight loss schedule feasible, you need to arrange activities or exercise within a specified time frame. Avoid a straight hour of nothing but physical activity -- especially with younger children. It may tire him out too easily and make him feel it is more of a chore rather than an enjoyable experience.
Types
If your child is alert and active in the morning, this may be the best time to start off with a good workout. Find activities she may like such as dancing to her favorite music video, running laps around the house or going for a bike ride. Keep it under 30 minutes so she is not over-tired at school. After-school activities may include dance class, sporting activities, hiking, hop scotch or outdoor games. An evening exercise might be more moderate to wind down the day such as playing catch in the backyard or a game of kickball. The American Council on Exercise suggests you should take fitness gradually with your child and also provide positive reinforcement and supervision throughout each task.
Considerations
Take into consideration all of the physical activity he engages in outside of the home. Soccer practice, karate classes and volunteering after school all count toward his daily recommended amount of activity. Ask him if he remains active during recess at school. Playing tug of war, using playground equipment or activities during gym class are all part of his active lifestyle.
Effects
Once your child knows how much exercise and activity she should get per day; it should eventually become a normal routine for her. Make her weight loss schedule a family affair. Have everyone participate and encourage each other to stay active and stay in shape. This will encourage physical activities as you grow together as a family and help you all to lead a healthy lifestyle.
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