Dealing with weight issues with a child or adolescent can be difficult for the entire family. Ways to manage obesity may include:
- start a weight-management program with a registered dietitian
- change eating habits and behaviors (eat slowly, develop a routine)
- plan meals and make better food selections (eat less fatty foods, avoid junk and fast foods)
- Encourage your child to help in the purchase and preparation of meals if possible
- control portions and help them consume less calories
- increase physical activity (especially walking) and have a more active lifestyle model behavior you want your child to develop
- 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
- limit snacking
Unfortunately, obesity frequently becomes a lifelong issue. Many overweight and obese adolescents gain back their lost pounds becasue they tend to go back to their old habits of eating and not exercising. Parents of an obese child can improve their child’s self esteem by emphasizing their strengths and positive qualities rather than just focusing on their weight problem. Unless under the supervision of a medical doctor, a child should never be placed on a “diet”.
