Obesity is a huge problem throughout the developed world and one which it seems is only getting worse. The problem is not only affecting the adult population but overweight kids are becoming more evident.
Being a child and being overweight is not a pleasant experience, lets face it kids in the school playground can be very cruel. Name calling and teasing can often lead to the child developing psychological problems on top of the physical health problems obesity can cause.
As parents what can we do to help a child who needs to lose weight? Here are a few tips which may help.
1. Make the lifestyle changes which are necessary to achieve the child weight loss a family thing. Expecting a child to “go it alone” and making them different to other family members will only be counter productive.
Change the way the whole family eats, make microwave ready meals, processed foods and takeaways a thing of the past. Simple, quick healthy meals which are low in fat and sugar can be prepared at home. Try to introduce fresh fruit and vegetables, for some this may not be so easy but it is possible to “hide” vegetables in some dishes for example purée some carrots and put it into the bolognaise served with spaghetti. Use low fat yogurt poured over fresh fruit as a dessert. The possibilities are endless and probably cost a lot less than ready meals.
2. Remove temptation – stop buying cookies, biscuits, crisps, fizzy drinks and chocolate bars with your weekly groceries. If these items are not in the kitchen cupboards or fridge the “one won’t hurt” philosophy will be eliminated.
3. Encourage the child and indeed the whole family to get active. Try to find activities which the child enjoys for example swimming or cycling and get out there as a family! If you sit on the sofa in front of the television or play computer games from dinner until bed time so will they – think about it you are their greatest influence.
4. Do not under any circumstances put a child on a get thin quick diet – they are still growing and developing and need a diet which contains the full range of foods. They require a healthy diet which will provide enough vitamins and minerals for good health and development. Any weight loss program should be long term and the progress gradual and it is probably wise to consult a doctor or dietitian before beginning.
5. Give the child constant encouragement. Give praise for each achievement no matter how small. If one pound of weight is lost in a week strive to focus on this positive move forward. Encourage the child to repeat the steps taken to achieve the same and perhaps a little more in the coming week.
Hopefully these are 5 positive tips to point you in the right direction for helping any obese child. The most important thing is ensuring that the child is supported by the whole family and is not treated in any way different to other family members of normal weight.
Source by Kenneth Snodin