Weight Loss for Kids

Childhood obesity has been a growing epidemic for decades. Obesity during the formative years can contribute to a host of negative effects later in life, from low self-esteem and poor body function to substance abuse and eating disorders. Developing healthy eating and living habits while kids are yyoung can help steer them away from these dangerous outcomes.

Attitude

• It is important to remain positive at all times. Weight loss is not an easy task, but it is possible for anyone who sticks to a plan. For growing kids, it is possible to simply maintain a weight and allow their bodies to catch up. The focus should be less on the numbers on the scale and more about developing habits. Children should not be put on diets, but rather given healthier options. Try not to be overbearing and too strict, because this often leads to resentment. Be understanding and supportive and realize that a child's quest to become healthy is most often one that involves the whole family changing its habits. Cooking habits are an obvious change, but there are more subtle ones, as well. For example, food should not be a reward for good behavior or good grades. Develop other reward systems like allowances, small gifts or activities they enjoy in exchange for their good behavior.

Food

• Losing weight for kids doesn't require huge changes or deprivation, but rather small ones that will add up. Instead of frying chicken in oil, try baking it with a crispy coat in the oven. Change to water, diet sodas or no-sugar mixed drinks instead of full sugar options. Use low-fat or turkey hot dogs and bacon. Integrate healthy snacks like light popcorn, fruit, graham crackers, baked chips and pretzels as alternatives to high-fat snacks like regular chips and candy. You don't want to completely deprive kids of the foods that they like, because that can lead to sneaking food while at school or out with friends. Encourage new foods while allowing for an occasional treat of something else they like. Kids may be surprised find that they like some of the alternatives just as much as the old foods.

Exercise

• It is very difficult to achieve and maintain a healthy weight without some form of exercise. Many children who are resistant to exercise may just need some direction to find activities that they enjoy. Kids tend to think of exercise as activities like running, lifting weights or team sports, when there are so many more options for those who prefer single-player activities. Ice skating, karate, cycling or even nature walking are all activities that burn calories and build body strength. Think creatively about ways to integrate exercise into your everyday life. If your child is bookish, take them on a walk to the library. If they like "fighting" video games, get them karate lessons. For those who love music, encourage them to join a marching band. Take your little artist on a walking trail in the park to draw the trees and animals. There are plenty of ways to take your child's interests and integrate them into a healthy lifestyle without changing who they are.