Children who are obese, or morbidly overweight, have an 80 percent chance of remaining overweight throughout their adult life per the American Heart Association. One-third of American children are overweight, putting healthy weight loss diets for children in the spotlight. Healthy weight loss for your child incorporates a holistic plan involving the entire family and support. Diet plans for children must come from a dietitian or health care provider -- do not restrict a child's diet or start a weight loss program until his physician has consulted with you about his weight problem.
Cut the Fat
Children are not impervious to the risks associated with a high-fat diet. By decreasing the saturated and trans-fats in your kid's diet, you are protecting her from heart disease and diabetes as an adult. Decreasing daily fat intake will concomitantly lower her calories consumed, leading to a healthful weight loss. The U.S. National Library of Medicine suggests reducing fat intake gradually, starting after the age of two, by making the switch from whole milk and dairy products to skim, 1 or 2 percent.
Calorie Reduction
Similar to their adult counterparts, calories provide children with an energy source. Drastic restriction of daily caloric intake can be dangerous to your growing child -- too few calories can impair his learning and stunt his growth. Once your child has been declared overweight, the health care professional can provide an individualized calorie requirement allowing him to grow into his height without gaining further weight. The American Heart Association set out a rough guideline encouraging no more than 1,200 to 1,400 calories daily for the average 4 to 8 year old child.
Snack Modification
Skip the sugary sodas and fruit juices that have minimal nutritional value. Food, especially dessert and sweet snacks, should not be used as a reward. Fresh fruit and vegetables provide a fibrous, healthful snack instead. These choices begin at the grocery store, so bring your child along and empower her to make snack choices she'll like. For older children, teach them the meaning of the FDA food label explaining the calories, serving sizes and fat content.
Family Support
Tempting as it is, avoid those fast food drive-through lines. Children eat what they are taught to eat and selecting and cooking healthful choices for the family provides a lifelong dietary guide for kids. Your overweight child should eat breakfast every morning, as skipping this important meal can lead to calorie binges throughout the day. Encouraging your child to clean his plate can lead to weight problems, also. Children have the innate instinct of satiety -- they know when they have consumed enough calories naturally. Turn off the TV and get active with your child. Try a game of catch, a nature walk or bike ride to burn calories and create more memories than the most recent episode of cartoons.
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