Kids who are overweight may go on a diet that is supervised by their doctor, but in general, kids shouldn't go on diets. They are still growing, so most doctors recommend that overweight children aim to keep their weight steady as they grow through adopting healthier habits, rather than lose weight through dieting.
Encourage Healthier Habits
Encourage your child to eat healthier foods and be more physically active. Make sure she eats breakfast, encourage her to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, teach the proper portion sizes and offer other activities in an effort to reduce the time she spends in front of the TV or the computer, recommends KidsHealth.org.
Make It a Family Affair
Rather than making your child feel deprived by forcing him to eat differently than the rest of the family, the whole family should start working toward healthier habits. Make the changes gradually, and keep a positive and flexible attitude toward the changes the family is making. Incorporate more activity into your daily routine, keep only healthy foods in the house and eat at home most of the time, recommends MayoClinic.com.
Involve Your Child
Your child will be more likely to follow the new plans if he has some say in them. Let him choose at least some of the fruits and vegetables you serve and the activities you add to your routines. Have him help cook the new, healthier meals you decide to try. Offer options for treats occasionally so he doesn't have to give up all of his favorites.
Considerations
You don't want your child to feel bad about the way that she looks. You want her to concentrate instead on being more healthy, rather than a certain weight. This means that you should do the same, so don't complain that you look fat, talk a lot about weight issues within her hearing or go on unhealthy crash diets to try to lose weight quickly. This will help her develop a more healthy body image.
References
- KidsHealth.org: Is Dieting OK for Kids?; Steven Dowshen, M.D.; November 2008
- USA Today: Help Kids Maintain a Healthy Weight Without a Hefty Cost; Nanci Hellmich; Jan. 7, 2009
- KidsHealth.org: 5 Ways to Reach (and Maintain) a Healthy Weight; Mary L. Gavin, M.D.; August 2010
- MayoClinic.com: Childhood Obesity: Make Weight Loss a Family Affair; June 26, 2010
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