It’s not about Obesity but Fitness

Impart the Importance of Being Fit to your Obese Child

All of us, especially children and teenagers, have inhibitions when we talk about weight, as it is an extremely sensitive area to deal with. How you handle the issue or approach the topic with children/teenager can have lifetime implications. Given here are tactical ways to discuss about weight issues with kids and suggestions to handle the situation when your child brings upon the topic due to his/her own interest.

1. Act upon your Thoughts: If you are concerned about your little one’s weight, don’t talk to him/her about it, but rather take genuine action by making lifestyle modifications. Serve healthy and nutritious family meals and snacks. Instead of letting your child sit in front of the TV, plan some interesting games or activities to spend time together. These help your children to eat smart and play hard.
2. Avoid Blaming your Kids: Don’t try to solve weight issues by yelling, screaming, bribing, threatening or punishing your kid regarding food or physical activity. Such parent–child quarrels can lead to heart-breaking results as the child might start eating more out of frustration or might end up with an eating disorder.
3. Sail on the Same Boat: Make sure that all of you in the family stick to the same opinion. Otherwise, mixed messages regarding weight can lead to unhealthy consequences.
4. Get an Opinion from your Health Care Provider: Discuss about your child’s weight issue privately with your health care provider. Put forth your concerns and arrive upon ideas that can result in positive changes in your family eating habits and physical activity.
5. Consult a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist: In case of kids and teens, you can seek the help of a nutritionist/dietitian who excels in weight loss/weight gain programs specifically for the youth. Approach a registered dietitian nutritionist who specializes in pediatric weight management. To book an appointment with such nutritionists/dietitians, please visit the website www.firsteatright.com. Some hospitals have packages that include education and activities for the entire family. Some of these might even be covered under your health insurance plan.
6. Target on Health and not Weight: It’s not about being thin, but about being healthy. Once you start following your lifestyle modifications, your children will gradually fall into the “healthy weight” category as their height increases. Instead of focusing on their weight loss, compliment your children on their positive lifestyle changes (something like “a great snack option” or “too good a game”).

“I’m So Fat” Mommy!!!

If your child starts complaining about his/her fatty physique, it’s high time that you start thinking about the remark. Question yourself: Was there some advertisement on television about obesity? Did any of your child’s friends/classmates tease him/her about weight?

If you come to know that another child or adult is bullying your kid, deal with the situation immediately. If your child’s weight and lifestyle are normal for his or her age, motivate your child on his/her health and ask him/her to ignore the weight issue.