"MedicalWebPage"

Want an ad free reading experience?

Download PharmEasy App

Banner Image

Register to Avail the Offer

Send OTP

By continuing, you agree with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions

Success Banner Image
Advertisement
Advertisement

4 Things You Can Do to Help Your Child Lose Weight

By Dhwani Jerajani +2 more

Obesity in children is a global public health crisis today. Childhood obesity can have a significant impact on the emotional, social, spiritual, and psychological well-being of the child. Most obese children are likely to carry obesity into adolescence as well as into adulthood. They are at a greater risk of developing cardiovascular problems, type 2 diabetes and other metabolic diseases in later years. However, there is no quick solution to child weight loss. Long-term lifestyle modifications along with a regular exercise plan can help achieve the child’s target weight.

  • Set Realistic, Achievable Goals

Designing a weight loss plan for children can be tricky as they are in their growing years. Care must be taken that their weight loss plans are well within achievable limits while monitoring adequate nutritional intake and allowing growth. It is also smarter to maintain their weight instead of embarking on a child’s weight loss plan, as the body will get thinner as they grow taller. For morbidly obese children, losing one pound a week is a more achievable idea.

Obesity in children is a risk factor for a future with diabetes and increased risk of heart disease, asthma and sleep apnea, the symptoms of which may go unnoticed in children.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D
  • Encourage Physical Activity

Exercise is a key component when it comes to losing and maintaining weight in the long term. Engaging the child in any aerobic activity will help burn calories. Choose any fun-based activity like cycling, jogging, swimming, basketball, tennis, etc. for a workout regime in addition to his school sporting activities. Mixing fun sports can help develop a pattern and will discourage the child from dropping out.  

Also Read: 8 Effective Exercises for Weight Loss  

  • Diet Plan

Avoid frequent binging in children by encouraging your child to eat small meals every 2 to 3 hours. Include fruits and vegetables in their daily diet to avoid malnutrition and encourage them to drink plenty of water. Choosing a few slices of fruits instead of a bagel or a pretzel can help satisfy their sugar cravings. Consider working along with a licensed nutritionist to work on a well-designed diet plan for child weight loss.

The present analysis shows that overweight and obesity rates in children and adolescents are increasing not just among the higher socio-economic groups but also in the lower income groups where underweight still remains a major concern. This suggests the need for a balanced and sensitive approach addressing economic and nutrition transitions to effectively tackle this double burden paradox in India.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
  • Behavioural Modification at Home

It is important that the child learns the importance of table manners when at home. Parents should make a habit to serve meals only on the dining table at a set time, and not in front of the television set as the child is unaware of what he is eating, leading to a calorie surge. Discourage eating any processed fatty food, cheese, and sodas. Avoid second helpings.

Overeating, eating more of packaged, fried and junk food, less of outdoor sports and more of screen games pose a serious threat of childhood obesity among children. Parents must help children build healthy eating habits and encourage them to indulge in physical activities and outdoor games for better health outcomes.

Dr. Arpit Verma, MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

It is vital that the whole family comes together as a team to encourage child weight loss to achieve his ideal weight goals. Be as supportive as you can and provide unconditional support at all times.

To read more about health tips, check out our Health Trends here!

Also Read: How to Reduce Weight Without Exercise: Proven Strategies and Science-Backed Methods

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

4
5
Advertisement

You may also like

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
2 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments