Children gain weight as they grow, but it can be tough to determine when to be concerned about extra weight gain. Childhood obesity puts your children at risk for conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Genetics, inactivity and poor eating habits are common causes of obesity.
Step 1
Improve your child's eating habits. Incorporate more fruits and vegetables into her diet. Make healthy snacks, such as fresh fruit slices, available to your child. Limit your child's fruit juice intake, as it is high in calories. Replace the fruit juice with water and low-fat milk. Limit eating out, especially at fast food establishments. Choose healthy menu options when you do eat out.
Step 2
Have the whole family make an effort to increase the chances of change and to set an example for the child. Have the family sit together for meals. Avoid letting the child eat in front of a TV or computer. Eating in front of a screen decreases awareness of how much you are eating.
Step 3
Increase your child's physical activity level. Physical activity is vital in weight loss as well as development of strong bones and muscles. Proper physical activity also helps children sleep well at night and be alert during daytime hours. Focus on activity instead of exercise. Have the whole family participate in activities with the child. Change up the activities to keep from getting bored.
Step 4
Ask your doctor if your child is eligible for prescription weight loss medication. There are two prescription medications available to adolescents—Meridia and Xenical. Meridia is approved for adolescents over the age of 16 and works to make the body feel full more quickly. Xenical is approved for adolescents over the age of 12 and prevents fat absorption in the intestines.
Step 5
Consider weight loss surgery if your child is severely obese and has not been able to lose weight with conventional methods. Weigh the pros and cons of weight loss surgery. Long-term effects of the surgery on the child's growth in the future are not known. Surgeries also carry risks that the doctor can explain. Surgery may be an option if the risk of your child's weight is a greater health threat than the risks the surgery carries.
Things You'll Need
- Body mass index chart
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- Water
- Low-fat milk
- Weight loss medication
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