Obesity frequently becomes a lifelong issue. The reason most obese children and adolescents gain back their lost pounds is that after they have reached their goal, they go back to their old habits of eating and exercising.
by Karen Sibal
Here are some other things parents can do to ensure their children maintain a healthy weight. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry suggests the following:
start a weight-management program or attend a support group
change eating habits gradually over time (eat slowly, develop a routine)
plan meals and make better food selections (eat less fatty foods, avoid junk and fast foods, eat more fruits and vegetables)
control portions and consume less calories
increase physical activity (especially walking) and have a more active lifestyle
know what your child eats at school
eat meals as a family instead of while watching television or at the computer
do not use food as a reward – this is really important!
limit snacking or provide your children with healthier snack alternatives
Obesity frequently becomes a lifelong issue. The reason most obese children and adolescents gain back their lost pounds is that after they have reached their goal, they go back to their old habits of eating and exercising. An obese child must therefore learn to eat and enjoy healthy foods in moderate amounts and to exercise regularly to maintain the desired weight. Parents of an obese child can improve their child’s self esteem and emotional well-being by emphasizing the child’s strengths and positive qualities rather than just focusing on their weight problem.
Involving kids in food choices builds lifelong healthy habits.Active play is one of the most natural and joyful ways to help kids stay healthy.
There’s no question that obesity is becoming a national, and even a global epidemic. Adults and kids alike are getting bigger and wider. We need to question the toll this will take on the future health of the nation, our healthcare system and our economy. As parents, we need to talk more about this issue – within our schools and in our communities and adopt healthy lifestyle choices for our own good. But talk alone is not enough – we need to get moving … NOW!
References:
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, www.aacap.org.
How can parents help a child manage their weight in a healthy way?
Table of Contents
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry recommends a whole-family approach: change eating habits gradually over time, plan meals and make better food choices (more fruits and vegetables, less fast food), control portions, and increase physical activity — especially walking. Eating meals as a family instead of in front of a screen also makes a real difference. The goal is building lasting habits, not quick fixes.
Should food be used as a reward for children?
No — and this is really important. Using food as a reward creates an unhealthy emotional connection to eating that can last a lifetime. Instead, look for non-food rewards that genuinely matter to your child: extra outdoor time, a favorite game, or simply your undivided attention. Changing this one habit can have a significant long-term impact on a child’s relationship with food.
Why do children tend to regain weight after losing it?
Obesity frequently becomes a lifelong issue because after reaching a goal weight, children often go back to their old eating and exercise habits. The key is not just losing weight but learning to enjoy healthy foods in moderate amounts and building regular activity into everyday life. The lifestyle change has to stick — temporary dieting doesn’t address the root habits.
How can parents support a child’s emotional well-being during weight management?
Focus on your child’s strengths and positive qualities rather than their weight. Children dealing with weight issues are often already dealing with self-esteem challenges. Emphasizing what they’re good at, encouraging physical activities they enjoy (not just exercise for its own sake), and creating a home environment free of food shame goes a long way toward building both healthier bodies and healthier self-image.
Biography
Karen Sibal is a freelance writer, researcher and communications consultant. She is the owner of Sibal Writing and Consulting, a firm that specializes in public policy research, effective communications and web solutions for all types of organizations. Over the past 16 years, Karen has done work for local and provincial governments and several not-for-profit organizations. She is pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration in September 2006.
Karen has written extensively on children’s issues and has helped with launching an association for mothers and children in her community. She is a member of the Halton-Peel Communications Association and a board director with the Halton Multicultural Council. She has also served as the managing editor of a government child welfare journal.
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