Childhood obesity is on the rise, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, affecting 17 percent of youth in the United States. Finding natural ways to manage your child's appetite may help him manage his weight and guard against obesity and its complications, such as heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. For best results, seek guidance from your doctor or dietitian before giving your child dietary supplements or carrying out lifestyle changes.
Increased Appetite Causes
A healthy appetite is often an indication of positive health. Various conditions can trigger increased appetite, however, making it difficult for children to reach or maintain an appropriate body weight. Appetite increases may stem from mental disorders such as anxiety disorder and bulimia, endocrine gland disorders such as thyroid disease and diabetes, and medications, including corticosteroids and antidepressants, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Emotional stress and dietary habits, such as eating unsatiating foods, may also contribute.
Dietary Supplements
Many natural dietary supplements claim to suppress your appetite. Although natural pills may seem like safer options for children, many pose potentially serious risks, according to MayoClinic.com. Dietary supplements lack evidence of safety and effectiveness in children and adults. The FDA considers supplements containing green tea extract to be possibly safe, but their effectiveness remains undetermined. The Food and Drug Administration banned appetite suppressants containing ephedra or country mallow due to serious reported side effects. Chromium supplements are likely safe, but their effectiveness for controlling appetite remains unknown. Standard dosage for children ages 9 to 13 is 21 mcg of chromium per day. Only give supplements to your children under the advice of a physician.
Safer Options
Emphasizing certain foods in your child's diet may enhance fullness between meals. Focus on fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean protein sources such as egg whites, fish and low-fat dairy products. Research published in the "Journal of Nutrition" in January 2011 showed that a nutritious daily breakfast may improve appetite and blood sugar control in children and adults and help prevent obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Feed your child a healthy breakfast each day and encourage regular exercise. Also, remind your child to stay well-hydrated by drinking water regularly, which may also reduce hunger pangs.
Emotional Factors
Encouraging children to have positive attitudes about eating is crucial, according to Myles Faith, a psychologist and assistant professor in the Weight and Eating Disorders Program at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, because dieting and food restriction during childhood may lead to weight gain and poor eating habits later on. Teach your child ways to make healthy eating fun and focus on the positive attributes of healthy foods, such as flavors and colors, rather than categorizing foods as "good" or "bad" or fixating on body weight. If your child's appetite problems stem from emotional stress, anxiety or depression, you may want to consider psychotherapy. Encouraging your child to talk openly about stressful situations may also help.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Childhood Overweight and Obesity
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Appetite -- Increased
- MayoClinic.com: Over-the-Counter Weight Loss Pills
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Chromium
- "Journal of Nutrition"; Breakfast Frequency ...; Mark A. Pereira, et al.; January 2011
- DailyPerricone; Water Suppresses Appetite; January 2009
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