When your child has gained weight, her body has changed or her physician has expressed concern over her weight, it can be tempting to put her on a strict diet to help her lose weight. But children should never diet the way that an adult diets. Fad diet, taking out entire food groups or drastic measures can only hurt your child's body and mind. Instead of putting your child on a strict, short-term diet, teach her ways to eat healthily for good habits for life.
Self Esteem and Social Issues
When your child is overweight and you constantly urge him to lose weight, it can take a toll on his self esteem. As a parent, it's up to you to love your child unconditionally. If your child begins to feel that your affection is conditional to his weight and appearance, it can make him feel depressed, self conscious and badly about himself. This can have social repercussions, as he becomes acutely aware of his size and withdrawals from society. Instead of urging him to lose weight, urge him to eat healthy foods and stay active, promising to help him.
Eating Disorders
A constant emphasis on weight loss, diets and a better body can create a volatile relationship between your child and food. Even her favorite foods can become the enemy when she's dieting. This can lead to eating disorders, like anorexia and bulimia, warns Teen's Health, a division of the Nemours Foundation. When your child his constantly pressured to have a different body and eat a certain way, any minor slip up can feel like a devastating failure, pushing your child toward unhealthy ways to lose weight.
Poor Nutrition
Your child needs a high degree of nutrition in order to support his growing mind and body. When placed on a strict diet, your child simply may not be getting enough nutrition in his body. Cutting out entire food groups deprives your child of the vitamins, minerals and nutrients that his body needs to continue growth and development. The United States Department of Agriculture Food Pyramid is the ideal way to structure meals. Cutting out any one of the food groups out of your child's pyramid could have serious health repercussions.
Diet Alternatives
Even if your child is overweight or obese, diets are not the way to help her lose. Instead, focus on teaching your child healthy habits that can serve her throughout her life. Learning to eat as a family, having your child help you cook and talking about health and wellness can give your child a healthy and clear perspective on how food and activity can alter her body.
Member Comments