National Childhood Obesity Article

Develop a Plan to Help Your Child Overcome Obesity

If your child has been classified as being obese or at risk, you should work with your pediatrician to develop a weight loss plan for your child. Just as you would if you were creating a plan for yourself, you need to start with setting clearly defined weight loss goals, and share those with your child, and if your child is old enough, let him or her help in setting those goals as well. When setting goals, you should also bind them by time, meaning that you should set a goal with a specific amount of time attached, such as lose five pounds in the first month. As goals are attained, you should set new goals, and adjust them along the way if they seem too easy or too difficult to attain. You want to motivate yourself and your child to lose weight.

When creating your child’s weight loss plan, do not forget to include dietary changes, as well as add in plenty of physical exercise. It will be beneficial for your child if you implement this plan for the entire family, so that everyone gets involved. Not only will it benefit your child, but the other family members as well. If you tell your child that he cannot have those cookies because he is on a diet, but you eat them in his presence, you are not setting a good example, and your child will be less likely to follow through with the plan when you are not around.

Do not blame yourself for your child’s weight problem; instead focus all of your energy and efforts into correcting the problem as soon as possible. It is partially your fault, particularly if you have not taken steps to ensure your child practices good eating and exercise habits, but if you really think about the dangers of childhood obesity, and make a commitment to help your child get through this, you will succeed!

There are lots of local sports and activities that your child might be interested in, such as soccer, basketball, gymnastics, dance, etc. Just make certain that your child’s pediatrician Okays these activities, particularly if your child already has weight-related health problems. Even if your child does not get involved in a group activity, you can help by spending time at the park, playing family outdoor games, riding bikes, etc. Not every family can afford to pay the fees associated with sporting and extracurricular activities for their children, but it is free to spend the day at the park, so you have no excuse there!

As your child exercises more, and loses weight, he or she will have more energy, and will be more interested in physical activity, so be prepared to cater to those interests as much as possible. Even if you have to rearrange your budget, if your overweight child wants to participate in an extracurricular activity, you should try to accommodate the request if at all possible.

It is important that you and your child work together to help him or her achieve their weight loss goals. It is essential for your child’s health, both now, and in the future!