Fighting Childhood Obesity

As a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, let me just say that there are many other things that I would like to do than to talk to parents about their child's weight. Parents tend to have denial issues concerning their child's weight, even when shown their child's weight plotted on standardized growth charts. Frankly, a large majority of children who are overweight also have overweight parents. So, accepting that their child has a problem, also takes admitting that the parent has a problem also. It takes no less than three visits where weight issues are strongly addressed to get the parent to accept and take ownership of the information.

So, if your child is overweight, how should you handle the situation? Here is a simple and yet effective approach to get you started. I usually suggest that, instead of singling the child out by putting him on a diet or focusing on the weight issues, that families attack the problem together through lifestyle modification. Lifestyle modification is not difficult to implement, it just takes thought, knowledge, and modivation.

The first change that I suggest is to modify the diet of the family, focusing on the nutritional value of foods and not necessarily the calories involved. I ask them to stop buying potato chips or snack cakes, and substitute fresh fruits, or yogurt. When purchasing dairy products, buy 1% or 2% milk instead of whole milk, and a low or no fat sour cream. Sodas and Kool-Aid consumption should be decreased. If your child has a tendency to want to dip everything in ranch dressing, then you should be purchasing the low fat or no fat ranch.

When eating out, the parent will need to guide the child toward healthier choices that are on the menu. French fries, chicken nuggets, or hamburgers slathered with mayo should be avoided. Proportions should be carefully monitored. The child should not be eating adult sized meals, and most of the time neither should the adult! Finally, do not force your child to clean his plate. This becomes an issue of defiance and will power and it really has nothing to do with food.

Lastly, limit your child's television or computer time. Your child needs to be out playing, which burns off much needed calories, keeps their hearts and lungs healthy and develops muscle tone. Organized sports are a great way to get your child involved in activities and make friends at the same time. Taking long family walks or getting the family to go on long bicycle rides gives everyone exercise and helps the family spend time together.

These suggestions will only be as effective if they are truly implemented. Lifestyle changes will help the child develop good habits that will last into adulthood. Following this plan to treat your child's weight problem is a win win situation. The child usually develops a better self esteem, better health, and because he is spending more quality time with his parents, he has a better relationship with them. Go ahead, try it! What do you have to lose?