According to the Mayo Clinic, children under age 7 may be recommended for weight maintenance rather than weight loss. However, if a pediatrician says your 7-year-old is considered overweight or obese, he may advise a weight loss plan for your child. When changing your 7-year-old's diet and exercise habits, regularly check in with your doctor to monitor her progress. She will lose weight at a slow rate, depending on her weight; it may be in the range of 1 lb. per week to 1 lb. per month.
Step 1
Eat as a family. Serve the entire family healthy and low-fat food choices to encourage good eating habits in your 7-year-old.
Step 2
Keep fruits and vegetables on hand for snacks. Instead of sugary cakes, cookies and candies, allow your child to choose from a variety of fruits and cut up vegetables. If you do decide to give him sweets, choose calorie-controlled versions that contain 100 calories or less per package.
Step 3
Give your child mostly water to drink. She should skip the empty calories that are found in sodas and fruit drinks. If she is thirsty, serve water or a low-fat variety of milk.
Step 4
Adjust the portion sizes if your child needs to lose weight. A 7-year-old should not have the same amount of food on his plate as his adult counterparts. Cut his portion sizes in half, and if he still is hungry after eating all of what is served, you can put more food on his plate.
Step 5
Restrict your child's time in front of the television and computer monitor to two hours daily.
Step 6
Get moving. Participate in physical exercise with your child. Take walks together, ride bicycles or challenge her to a ball game. If she shows an interest in a particular sport, sign her up to play in a community league.
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