Obesity does not just affect your child's looks -- it can pose serious health risks as well. Kids who are overweight are much more likely to develop type two diabetes than kids of a healthy body weight, and they also have a greater chance of getting heart disease as adults. If you are concerned about your child's weight visit your pediatrician who can help you develop a nutritious diet plan.
Risk Factors for Obesity
Kids can become obese for many reasons, but family history plays a significant role. While genetics may determine how much body fat you have and how your body burns calories, family members tend to have the same eating and lifestyle habits. So if a child has parents who are overweight, she is more likely to become so as well. A lifestyle that consists of watching too much television or playing video games for hours can also contribute to weight gain and inactivity in children, as can eating too much high-calorie fast food and snacks.
Healthy Diet
A nutritious meal plan for kids looks very similar to the one adults need. Kids should eat five servings of fruits and vegetables each day, and choose low-fat milk and yogurt instead of the full-fat versions. They should eat lean meats and fish to get adequate amounts of protein, and whole-grains like oatmeal and whole-grain breads and cereals to provide them with carbohydrates and energy. Limit the amount of soda and sugary drinks your child consumes, as well as high-calorie foods. Portion control is paramount, and a dietitian can teach you and your child about the amount of food she should be eating at each meal.
Considerations
Because children are still growing, it is imperative that they get the vitamins and minerals they need to develop properly, even if they are on a diet. While your child can cut out high-fat dairy products, he needs to get enough calcium to ensure that his bones grow and remain strong. He also needs protein to allow his muscles to form properly, as well as fiber to ensure the healthy functioning of his digestive system. Talk to your doctor to ensure that all of your child's nutritional needs are met.
Additional Tips
Have your child exercise to lose weight, too. Get her off the couch and outside to walk or play soccer. Encourage her to join a sports team at school or ride her bike with her friends. You can get active as a family, too, by playing basketball together or cleaning the house. Any activity that gets your child moving is a form of exercise, and it will help teach her healthy lifestyle habits to lose the weight and keep it off.
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