A child is considered obese if his weight is 20 percent higher than the ideal weight of a child of the same age, height and gender. Children who struggle with obesity may be at higher risk for serious illness such as diabetes and heart disease. If you are concerned that your child might be at an unhealthy weight, talk to his doctor. Focus on helping him lose weight to promote good health and reduce his risk of illness. Combined with a healthy diet, an exercise program can help your obese child lose weight.
Step 1
Plan healthy meals and physical activities for the entire family. Focus on the health of everyone in your household. Don't instruct only your child to eat right and exercise on his own. Eat healthy meals and exercise together as a family to set a model for a healthy lifestyle in a positive, united way.
Step 2
Stay positive. Don't point out what your child is doing to increase her obesity. Focus on positives by suggesting healthy foods she can eat and healthy activities in which she can participate rather than scolding her for choosing unhealthy snacks or inactive pastimes.
Step 3
Refrain from nagging your child about his diet. Give him positive reinforcement when he makes healthy choices.
Step 4
Talk to your child openly but gently about her weight problem. Let her know that you are in this together, as a family. Let her know that you love her, regardless of her size and that you are dedicated to helping her tackle obesity. Try not to blame her for being overweight.
Step 5
Engage in kid-friendly conversations about obesity. Don't talk down to your child. Focus on the general picture instead of going into medical detail about the dangers of obesity that may confuse or scare your child.
Step 6
Aim for helping your child perform an hour of moderate exercise every day. Break this up into two 30-minute exercise sessions -- if it's easier for your family.
Step 7
Walk. Take daily walks together with your child through your neighborhood each night after dinner.
Step 8
Join a community pool and go swimming together when it gets hot outside.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep junk food out of the house to promote healthy eating. Offer your child only foods that are healthy and nutritious.
References
- University of Michigan Health System; Obesity and Overweight; Feb. 2007
- University of Michigan Health System; How Parents Can Fight the Obesity Epidemic; Aug. 2011
- "Parents" Magazine; How to Talk to Your Child About Losing Weight; Jeanette Moninger
- American Heart Association; Physical Activity and Children; March 2011
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