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Focus On Nutrition
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Previously Asked Questions
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My child is starting to look like me - overweight! I've read that overweight kids often are overweight as adults. Should I put them on a diet?
Answer
Since children grow at different rates and at different times, there are ranges of healthy weights, sizes and shapes for children. Using a growth chart, your pediatrician can assess your child's age and growth patterns to tell if they are in a growth spurt or have a real weight problem. There is no question that a child has a serious weight problem if their large size interferes with their ability to run, walk, skip and play. This signals an urgent need for family lifestyle changes.
Diets that severely restrict food choices, calories, and/or fat are not recommended for children. These diets may lack nutrients needed for normal growth and development. For growing children it is often safest to maintain their current weight while they grow in height rather than try to lose weight.
The best way for most children to do this is to become more physically active rather than significantly restrict calorie intake.
* Limit your child’s total "screen" time (TV and computer) to one to two hours per day.
* Make sure your child eats at the table, not in front of the TV.
* Get the family involved - be active with your child
* Encourage your child to participate in after school activities
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