This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 5th, 2008 at 10:59 am and is filed under Wellness. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
If you think your child is overweight, check with your doctor first. She can help you evaluate your child’s weight and develop an action plan for weight-management. Your doctor may refer your child to see a dietitian who can help your child meet their nutrition goals. Typically, professionals will recommend one of three weight management options:
- Slow down the rate that your child is gaining weight
- Stop your child from gaining weight (maintain weight)
- Lose excess weight
When children are involved, any weight loss program should be monitored by professionals, such as your doctor and dietitian. When changing your family’s lifestyle to emphasize healthy, long-term lifestyle changes, be sure to avoid:
- Fad diets and quick fixes–these usually result in unsafe, short-term weight loss
- Programs designed for adults–most commercial programs are not appropriate for children
- Weight loss camps and clinics–even though these are marketed to children, they often promise unrealistic results
As a parent just set the right example in the very beginning. Teach your child about healthy eating, importance of exercise, and social involvement. Learning these fundamentals early life will have a major impact on your child’s future! Set the right tone and you will never have to worry about your child’s embarrassment or having any social disorders.
