How Do You Treat Obesity In Children?
Experts seldom recommend weight loss for obese children. Instead, the goal usually is to slow the rate of weight gain or stop it altogether. If your child’s physician does recommend weight loss, she’ll typically suggest only a two pound weight loss per month. It’s important to be accepting and supportive of the child regardless of his weight, and involve the entire family in healthy, long-term lifestyle changes. By promoting physical activity and helping your child make appropriate dietary choices, you can help him achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Encourage the child’s weight management, but don’t criticize her lifestyle choices. It’s natural for your child to be sensitive about her body image and worry about how that image impacts social relationships. Let her know you love and accept her, and give positive reinforcement for healthy choices. Limit your child’s involvement in sedentary activities. A child who sits in front of the television, spends hours with video games, or cons