Childhood obesity rates are quickly rising in America. Kids are gaining weight faster because of the convenience of unhealthy fast foods, in combination with sedentary lifestyles that involve excessive television watching and video gaming. Helping an overweight child lose weight can be moderately challenging, but with practical changes in dietary and exercise habits, you can help your kid lose weight fast. Consult your child's doctor for guidance before changing her diet and exercise habits.
Step 1
Adopt healthier habits for the entire family, states MayoClinic.com. In order for a child to begin healthy eating and losing weight, the rest of the family must set a good example. Make immediate changes in dietary habits to help your kid lose weight fast. Quickly reduce portion sizes and introduce your child to healthier foods, such as fruits, vegetables and brown rice or pastas. Eliminate fast foods and unhealthy snacks in his diet. Begin daily exercise as a family, which can include trips to the park or competitive family exercise games.
Step 2
Set goals for your child and reward her when they are achieved. For example, set a goal of eating five servings of fruits and vegetables a day for a week. If she meets this goal, reward her with a non-food item, such as a trip to a museum or a park. The more immediate and serious the goal, the more successful your child will be at losing weight fast. Strict, concrete goals will lead to positive sustainable habits, and fast weight loss.
Step 3
Increase the amount of physical activity your child is involved in each day. Medline Plus, of the National Institutes of Health, states that your child should include 60 minutes of physical activity per day. Therefore, you should sign your kid up to play recreational sports, in which most practices and games last at least an hour. Immediately remove all sedentary video games and replace with physically active video games, such as the Nintendo Wii if possible. Enjoy these activities with your child so he does not feel singled out. You must make sure your kid is active for 60 minutes or more per day to help him lose weight fast.
Tips and Warnings
- Followup with regularly scheduled doctor's appointments to make sure your child is the proper height and weight for his age. Avoid punishing your child if he does not immediately meet his weight loss goals. Positive reinforcement for healthy decisions and habits is more effective.
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