According to a poll conducted by the Nemours Foundation, most children agree that too many of their peers are overweight. Kids also admitted they worried about their own weight and have tried to lose weight in the past. Once kids understand that healthy food and exercise are the best way to manage their body weight, they are ready to learn how to put those concepts into action, says Dr. Sandra Hassink. Although being overweight as a child can have serious health consequences, because kids are still growing, it is essential that they get reliable information and support from their families and the professional health community.
Step 1
Explain the importance of a healthy diet. Ask them to name their favorite foods from each of the four food groups. Suggest menu ideas based on their favorite foods and ask if they would like to help you prepare them.
Step 2
Help them compute their own basic metabolic rate, or BMR, and determine the amount of exercise and nutrition their body requires to maintain a healthy body weight. Encourage kids to devise their own diet plan based on their current lifestyle.
Step 3
Remind kids that an ideal diet is actually a lifelong commitment to eating healthy and getting adequate exercise. Teach them the importance of paying attention to the emotional and spiritual aspects of their lives. Stress the importance of making good life choices and asking for help whenever they need it.
Step 4
Research and provide information about weight-loss programs geared for kids who are seriously overweight. Explain that while restrictive diets are never appropriate for children, there are programs that address the emotional and physical aspects of weight management that may be a viable alternative to going it alone.
Step 5
Teach kids about the dangers of eating disorders. Stress the importance of seeking professional help for themselves or any other person they know with an eating disorder. Help them avoid falling for fad diets and other weight-loss gimmicks by providing medically sound nutrition guidelines.
Tips and Warnings
- Look for a cooking class that emphasizes nutritional food to help your kids learn about diet and healthy eating habits.
- If you suspect a child has an eating disorder, you should contact a mental health professional and a primary care health professional for assistance.
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