Child Obesity: How to Help Your Child Lose Weight

Is your child fat? Childhood obesity is a big issue right now (pun intended). Approximately two-thirds of all American children are overweight. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), "Obesity in kids is now epidemic in the United States. The number of children who are overweight has doubled in the last two to three decades; currently one child in five is overweight" (source).

In this childhood wellness guide, we'll show parents how to keep their children healthy and properly lose weight in the face of this rising child obesity problem.

Child Obesity: How to Help Your Child Lose Weight

It's not only the childhood obesity figures that should astound us and call for immediate weight loss action. The more shocking news that needs to be addressed is the dramatic rise of obese children in the last decades. The obesity rates have doubled among kids and tripled among teens. For the years 2003 and 2004, 17.1% of kids aged 2-19 years were overweight. This translates to more than 12 and a half million young people who are at risk of acquiring serious medical problems related to obesity. Some of these medical problems include diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, sleep apnea, and even poor self-esteem and depression.

Aside from these, studies also reveal that overweight kids have greater risks of growing up to be obese adults, bringing with them all the medical problems associated with obesity all throughout their lives. Obesity in children has indeed become a chronic health problem, acquired more from the environment and sedentary lifestyle than from the child's genetic makeup. One in three kids does not engage in vigorous physical activity and only a third of the youth attend gym class. More disturbing is that most of these kids are rarely aware of their need for weight loss.

I have always advocated that weight loss for obese children must start at home. The family as the primary support group must take the necessary steps to change an unhealthy family behavior. Small changes like drinking water instead of cola, taking the family out for a walk in the park instead of watching television, or having all the members of the family involved in household chores can make a lot of difference in time.

Having healthy food choices at home also goes a long way for an obese child to achieve weight loss. Storing fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods will ensure that he gets the nutrients he needs less the calories. Family meals cooked inside the house make healthier alternatives than restaurant dishes.

Most of all, the best way that we can help weight loss for obese kid is by setting an example. Being a positive role model for your kid will most likely be the most effective way to encourage him lose weight.

This is not to say that healthy changes within the house is a easy. Always remember that weight management is a lifelong goal. Weight loss for an obese child is only the start of in achieving and maintaining his ideal weight.