How to Help a Child Lose Weight

When adorable baby fat turns to unhealthy obesity, the well-being of a child is threatened. The extra weight makes it more difficult to keep up with other children. In addition, the body must work harder to maintain the heavier weight, wearing down organs and hindering natural processes like digestion. Helping a child lose weight is a daunting but manageable task, and could potentially save his life physically and mentally.

Instructions

• 1

  Set a goal with your child but avoid mentioning the amount of weight she should lose. Rather, focus on not gaining as she grows taller. This way she has a chance to grow into her weight.

• 2

  Switch to healthy snacks and eliminate junk food. Look for ways to adapt recipes for fun snacks. For example, a "snowball" usually is made from marshmallow fluff on bread; try making a cottage cheese snowman on a plate instead.

• 3

  Exercise together, making it fun. Have simple competitions and vary the games you play so the child doesn't feel like it's an exercise regimen he's forced to maintain in order to lose weight.

• 4

  Drink water more frequently and cut down on the sugar and calories that are found in most drinks--even fruit juices. Plan your grocery list together. Talk with your child about healthy diets and plan a menu for the week.

• 5

  Be a good role model. Eat only when you're hungry and mention when you're tempted by something but choose not to eat it.