child obescity

What is obesity?
Obesity means having too much body fat. A child is obese if their weight is more than 20% higher than the ideal weight for a boy or girl of their age and height.
What are the concerns about obesity in general?Fifty-nine million Americans are considered obese, and 300,000 die each year from related causes making this disorder the second-leading U.S. cause of death after smoking. Obesity is occurring in epidemic proportions.
How can I tell if my child is overweight?
If you are concerned about your child's weight, you should take them to see their doctor. There are some different measurements a doctor may take to tell whether your child is overweight.
Weight and height can be compared and plotted on a growth chart.
Skinfold thickness—measured at the triceps (back of the upper arm) with a caliper that pinches the skin and fat together—will be higher than expected in an overweight child.
The best measurement to take is
\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/bmi/bmi-for-age.htm\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>body mass index\u003c/a\>\u003c/i\> (BMI). It is fairly complicated to calculate and understand. You can use the link above to read about how BMI is used with children, calculate your child's BMI on the web calculator, and check your child's BMI against the right chart for their age and sex to find out their percentile.\n\u003c/font\> \n\u003cul\>\n\u003cli\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\" size\u003d\"-1\"\>A BMI above the 85\u003csup\>th\u003c/sup\> percentile for the child's age and sex is "at risk for overweight."\u003c/font\> \n\u003cli\>\u003cfont size\u003d\"2\"\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\>A BMI above the 95\u003csup\>th\u003c/sup\> percentile is "overweight or obese."\u003c/font\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\>\u003cspan\>\u003ccite\>\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/yourchild/obesity.htm#ref1\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>\n[1]\u003c/a\>\u003c/cite\>\u003c/span\>\u003c/font\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\> \u003c/font\>\u003c/font\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/ul\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/ul\>\n\u003cp\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\" size\u003d\"-1\"\>\u003cb\>\u003cfont color\u003d\"#003399\"\>\u003ca name\u003d\"10ce974231e1f98e_more\"\>\u003c/a\>\u003c/font\>\u003c/b\>\u003c/font\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\>\u003cb\>\u003cfont color\u003d\"#003399\"\>Are there more overweight kids than there used to be? How common is obesity?\n\u003c/font\>\u003c/b\>\u003c/font\>\u003c/p\>\n\u003cp\>One in six young people ages 6-19 is overweight \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/yourchild/obesity.htm#ref2\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>\u003cspan\>\u003ccite\>\u003cfont size\u003d\"2\"\>[2]\u003c/font\>\u003c/cite\>\u003c/span\>\u003c/a\>. Estimates show that 15% of all children in the \nU.S. are overweight, and nearly 25% of Black and Hispanic children weigh too much \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/yourchild/obesity.htm#ref3\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>\u003cspan\>\u003ccite\>\u003cfont size\u003d\"2\"\>[3]\u003c/font\>\u003c/cite\>\u003c/span\>\u003c/a\>.\n\u003c/p\>\n\u003cdiv\>\n\u003cdiv\>\u003c/div\>\u003c/div\>\n\u003cp\>\u003cfont size\u003d\"2\"\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\>",1]
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body mass index (BMI). It is fairly complicated to calculate and understand. You can use the link above to read about how BMI is used with children, calculate your child's BMI on the web calculator, and check your child's BMI against the right chart for their age and sex to find out their percentile.
A BMI above the 85th percentile for the child's age and sex is "at risk for overweight."
A BMI above the 95th percentile is "overweight or obese." [1]
Are there more overweight kids than there used to be? How common is obesity?
One in six young people ages 6-19 is overweight [2]. Estimates show that 15% of all children in the U.S. are overweight, and nearly 25% of Black and Hispanic children weigh too much [3].
\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\>\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/yourchild/obesity.htm#ref4\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>\u003cspan\>\u003ccite\>[4]\u003c/cite\>\u003c/span\>\u003c/a\>\u003c/font\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\>.\u003c/font\>\n\u003c/font\>\u003c/p\>\n\u003cdiv\>\n\u003cdiv\>\u003c/div\>\u003c/div\>\n\u003cp\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\" size\u003d\"-1\"\>\u003cb\>\u003cfont color\u003d\"#003399\"\>\u003ca name\u003d\"10ce974231e1f98e_fuss\"\>\u003c/a\>\u003c/font\>\u003c/b\>\u003c/font\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\>\u003cb\>\u003cfont color\u003d\"#003399\"\>Why all the fuss about children being overweight? Won't they grow out of it?\n\u003c/font\>\u003c/b\>\u003c/font\>\u003c/p\>\n\u003cul\>\n\u003cli\>Overweight teens have a 70% chance of being overweight adults. \n\u003cli\>If one parent is obese or overweight, overweight teens have an 80% chance of being overweight. \n\u003cli\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\" size\u003d\"-1\"\>There are serious problems that can come from being obese as a child, including:\u003c/font\> \n\u003cul\>\n\u003cli\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\" size\u003d\"-1\"\>Poor self-esteem\u003c/font\> \n\u003cli\>High blood pressure \n\u003cli\>High cholesterol \n\u003cli\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\" size\u003d\"-1\"\>Depression \u003c/font\>\n\u003cli\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\" size\u003d\"-1\"\>Hip problems, and other bone problems\u003c/font\> \n\u003cli\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\" size\u003d\"-1\"\>Liver problems\u003c/font\> \n\u003cli\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\" size\u003d\"-1\"\>\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/yourchild/puberty.htm\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>Early puberty\u003c/a\> \u003c/font\>\n\u003cli\>\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.aap.org/advocacy/archives/mardia.htm\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>Diabetes\u003c/a\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\" size\u003d\"-1\"\>\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.aap.org/advocacy/archives/mardia.htm\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>",1]
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Obesity is common enough among children that we can consider it an epidemic. Studies have shown a dramatic rise in the number of obese children in the last few decades in this country. Being overweight is twice as common among kids and teens in this country than it was 20 years ago [4].
Why all the fuss about children being overweight? Won't they grow out of it?
Overweight teens have a 70% chance of being overweight adults.
If one parent is obese or overweight, overweight teens have an 80% chance of being overweight.
There are serious problems that can come from being obese as a child, including:
Poor self-esteem
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Depression
Hip problems, and other bone problems
Liver problems
Early puberty
Diabetes
\u003c/font\> \n\u003cli\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\" size\u003d\"-1\"\>Sleep apnea and breathing problems (see \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/yourchild/sleep.htm\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>Sleep Problems\u003c/a\> on \u003ci\>YourChild\u003c/i\>)\u003c/font\> \n\u003cli\>Health problems as an adult, like high blood pressure, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, gout, pulmonary problems, gall bladder disease, liver disease, psychosocial problems, reproductive problems, and some types of cancer. \n\u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/ul\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/ul\>\n\u003cp\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\" size\u003d\"-1\"\>\u003cb\>\u003cfont color\u003d\"#003399\"\>\u003ca name\u003d\"10ce974231e1f98e_obese\"\>\u003c/a\>\u003c/font\>\u003c/b\>\u003c/font\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\>\u003cb\>\u003cfont color\u003d\"#003399\"\>How do kids become obese?\n\u003c/font\>\u003c/b\>\u003c/font\>\u003c/p\>\n\u003cp\>Like most chronic health problems, obesity is caused by complex interactions between genes, environment and behavior/habits.\u003c/p\>\n\u003cp\>Many studies have shown that there is not a big difference in the amount of food eaten and physical activity between obese and non-obese kids. Probably small differences in eating and activity over time really add up and lead to weight gain. Obese children do tend to eat larger portions or higher calorie foods, like high-fat foods. \n\u003c/p\>\n\u003cp\>Physical activity and inactivity are very important factors. Many studies have shown that kids who spend more time watching \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/yourchild/tv.htm\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>television\u003c/a\> \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/yourchild/obesity.htm#ref5\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>\n\u003cspan\>\u003ccite\>\u003cfont size\u003d\"2\"\>[5]\u003c/font\>\u003c/cite\>\u003c/span\>\u003c/a\> and playing \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/yourchild/video.htm\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>video games\u003c/a\> are at higher risk of becoming overweight. One in three high school youth do not engage in vigorous physical activity. Less than 30% attend daily gym class \n",1]
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Sleep apnea and breathing problems (see Sleep Problems on YourChild)
Health problems as an adult, like high blood pressure, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, gout, pulmonary problems, gall bladder disease, liver disease, psychosocial problems, reproductive problems, and some types of cancer.
How do kids become obese?
Like most chronic health problems, obesity is caused by complex interactions between genes, environment and behavior/habits.
Many studies have shown that there is not a big difference in the amount of food eaten and physical activity between obese and non-obese kids. Probably small differences in eating and activity over time really add up and lead to weight gain. Obese children do tend to eat larger portions or higher calorie foods, like high-fat foods.
Physical activity and inactivity are very important factors. Many studies have shown that kids who spend more time watching television [5] and playing video games are at higher risk of becoming overweight. One in three high school youth do not engage in vigorous physical activity. Less than 30% attend daily gym class
\u003cspan\>\u003ccite\>\u003cfont size\u003d\"2\"\>[6]\u003c/font\>\u003c/cite\>\u003c/span\>\u003c/a\>. Sprawling development that discourages physical activity and makes walking and biking difficult or dangerous is also a factor \n\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/yourchild/obesity.htm#ref7\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>\u003cspan\>\u003ccite\>\u003cfont size\u003d\"2\"\>[7]\u003c/font\>\u003c/cite\>\u003c/span\>\u003c/a\>. \u003c/p\>\n\u003cp\>Kids in families with obese parents tend to be obese themselves. This is probably because of a combination of genetics and family behavior and habits. Children of moms who have diabetes are more likely to be overweight.\n\u003c/p\>\n\u003cp\>Very rarely, obesity is caused by an underlying medical condition. Illnesses that can cause obesity include endocrine problems and some \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/yourchild/genetic.htm\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>genetic syndromes\n\u003c/a\>. Your doctor will probably be able to rule out an underlying medical problem by a physical exam and by taking your child's medical history. Sometimes lab tests are needed.\u003cbr\>Some studies indicate that environmental chemicals may play a role. Researchers hypothesize that \n\u003cem\>in utero\u003c/em\> or newborn exposures to chemicals such as endocrine disruptors (for example xenoestrogen bisphenol A—which is in food and drink containers) may damage the body's weight-control mechanisms and lead to obesity \n\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/yourchild/obesity.htm#ref8\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>\u003cspan\>\u003ccite\>\u003cfont size\u003d\"2\"\>[8]\u003c/font\>\u003c/cite\>\u003c/span\>\u003c/a\> \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/yourchild/obesity.htm#ref9\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>\u003cspan\>\n\u003ccite\>\u003cfont size\u003d\"2\"\>[9]\u003c/font\>\u003c/cite\>\u003c/span\>\u003c/a\>. \u003c/p\>\n\u003cdiv\>\n\u003cdiv\>\u003c/div\>\u003c/div\>\n\u003cp\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\" size\u003d\"-1\"\>\u003cb\>\u003cfont color\u003d\"#003399\"\>",1]
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[6]. Sprawling development that discourages physical activity and makes walking and biking difficult or dangerous is also a factor [7].
Kids in families with obese parents tend to be obese themselves. This is probably because of a combination of genetics and family behavior and habits. Children of moms who have diabetes are more likely to be overweight.
Very rarely, obesity is caused by an underlying medical condition. Illnesses that can cause obesity include endocrine problems and some genetic syndromes . Your doctor will probably be able to rule out an underlying medical problem by a physical exam and by taking your child's medical history. Sometimes lab tests are needed.Some studies indicate that environmental chemicals may play a role. Researchers hypothesize that in utero or newborn exposures to chemicals such as endocrine disruptors (for example xenoestrogen bisphenol A—which is in food and drink containers) may damage the body's weight-control mechanisms and lead to obesity [8] [9].
\u003c/a\>\u003c/font\>\u003c/b\>\u003c/font\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\>\u003cb\>\u003cfont color\u003d\"#003399\"\>Can medication help my child lose weight?\n\u003c/font\>\u003c/b\>\u003c/font\>\u003c/p\>\n\u003cp\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\" size\u003d\"-1\"\>None of the new medicines to treat obesity are approved for children or adolescents to use. They may affect your child's growth and development, and the risk of dangerous complications is far greater than any benefit they might have. \n\u003c/font\>\u003c/p\>\n\u003cp\>By far the best approach is helping your \u003cem\>whole family\u003c/em\>—-including your child— change their behavior. \u003c/p\>\n\u003cp\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\" size\u003d\"-1\"\>\u003cb\>\u003cfont color\u003d\"#003399\"\>\u003ca name\u003d\"10ce974231e1f98e_help\"\>\u003c/a\>\u003c/font\>\u003c/b\>\u003c/font\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\>\u003cb\>\u003cfont color\u003d\"#003399\"\>How can I help my child lose weight, or stay a healthy weight?\n\u003c/font\>\u003c/b\>\u003c/font\>\u003c/p\>\n\u003cul type\u003d\"disc\"\>\n\u003cli\>\u003cstrong\>\u003cem\>Obesity develops over time and cannot be solved overnight. Remember that this is not an emergency. Do not expect dramatic change. That is unrealistic. \u003c/em\>\u003c/strong\> \n\u003cli\>The best way to have a healthy weight is \u003cem\>prevention\u003c/em\>. Be sure your family has healthy habits from the beginning, and \u003cem\>prevent\u003c/em\> yourself and your children from becoming overweight. It is much easier to maintain a healthy weight than it is to lose weight. \n\u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/ul\>\n\u003cp\>\u003cem\>Make it a whole family effort:\u003c/em\>\u003c/p\>\n\u003cul type\u003d\"disc\"\>\n\u003cli\>Obesity is not just your child's problem. It is a problem that the \u003cem\>whole family\u003c/em\> must be involved in solving. Your child lives within your family environment. \n\u003cli\>Chances are, someone else in your family has also struggled with weight or experienced obesity. They may be able to offer valuable help and support in developing realistic goals for your child. \n\u003cli\>As a family try to think of problems that you have solved successfully. This will help you stay positive, and look for other areas that are opportunities for change. \n\u003cli\>\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.umext.maine.edu/onlinepubs/htmpubs/4340.htm\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>",1]
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Can medication help my child lose weight?
None of the new medicines to treat obesity are approved for children or adolescents to use. They may affect your child's growth and development, and the risk of dangerous complications is far greater than any benefit they might have.
By far the best approach is helping your whole family—-including your child— change their behavior.
How can I help my child lose weight, or stay a healthy weight?
Obesity develops over time and cannot be solved overnight. Remember that this is not an emergency. Do not expect dramatic change. That is unrealistic.
The best way to have a healthy weight is prevention. Be sure your family has healthy habits from the beginning, and prevent yourself and your children from becoming overweight. It is much easier to maintain a healthy weight than it is to lose weight.
Make it a whole family effort:
Obesity is not just your child's problem. It is a problem that the whole family must be involved in solving. Your child lives within your family environment.
Chances are, someone else in your family has also struggled with weight or experienced obesity. They may be able to offer valuable help and support in developing realistic goals for your child.
As a family try to think of problems that you have solved successfully. This will help you stay positive, and look for other areas that are opportunities for change.

Create a relaxed atmosphere around mealtime. Eat slowly and enjoy your food. Eat together as a family, and don't watch TV during meals. Families that do not eat together tend to consume more fried foods and soda and less fruits and veggies than families that share meals. \n\u003cli\>Here are some \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.wvu.edu/~exten/infores/pubs/fypubs/wlg129.pdf\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>tips for making family meals work\u003c/a\>, and a \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/N3407A.pdf\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>family mealtime goal planner\n\u003c/a\>. \n\u003cli\>Reduce power struggles at mealtime by \u003ca href\u003d\"http://nutrition.wsu.edu/ebet/pdf/whodoeswhat.pdf\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>deciding who does what\u003c/a\>. \u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/ul\>\n\u003cp\>\u003cem\>Be a positive role model:\u003c/em\>\u003c/p\>\n\u003cul type\u003d\"disc\"\>\n\u003cli\>Remember the old adage: "Kids will do as you \u003cem\>do\u003c/em\>, not as you \u003cem\>say\u003c/em\>"? Your kids look to you, the parents, to see how to behave. If your whole family eats healthy foods and gets active, and then your child will, too! \n\u003c/li\>\u003c/ul\>\n\u003cp\>\u003cem\>Help your child set goals:\u003c/em\>\u003c/p\>\n\u003cul type\u003d\"disc\"\>\n\u003cli\>Set short-term goals for changes in your child's diet and exercise on a weekly basis. Update your goals each week. Write them down. Examples of goals include setting a time limit on \u003ca href\u003d\"http://lists.essential.org/commercial-alert/msg00009.html\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>\nTV watching\u003c/a\>, and taking a walk every day. \n\u003cli\>Make sure the goals you set are realistic. For example, exercising an hour every day is unrealistic for a child who is de-conditioned, and not used to even minimal physical activity. \n\u003cli\>Use rewards when your child meets their weekly goals. Rewards could be special time with you doing an activity your child enjoys or a special toy. \n\u003cli\>Have your child keep a record of their food intake and exercise. This will allow them to be more self-aware of their behavior. Then look at the record together, one-on-one, and go over it. Give them positive feedback. \n",1]
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Mealtimes should be family times! Create a relaxed atmosphere around mealtime. Eat slowly and enjoy your food. Eat together as a family, and don't watch TV during meals. Families that do not eat together tend to consume more fried foods and soda and less fruits and veggies than families that share meals.
Here are some tips for making family meals work, and a family mealtime goal planner .
Reduce power struggles at mealtime by deciding who does what.
Be a positive role model:
Remember the old adage: "Kids will do as you do, not as you say"? Your kids look to you, the parents, to see how to behave. If your whole family eats healthy foods and gets active, and then your child will, too!
Help your child set goals:
Set short-term goals for changes in your child's diet and exercise on a weekly basis. Update your goals each week. Write them down. Examples of goals include setting a time limit on TV watching, and taking a walk every day.
Make sure the goals you set are realistic. For example, exercising an hour every day is unrealistic for a child who is de-conditioned, and not used to even minimal physical activity.
Use rewards when your child meets their weekly goals. Rewards could be special time with you doing an activity your child enjoys or a special toy.
Have your child keep a record of their food intake and exercise. This will allow them to be more self-aware of their behavior. Then look at the record together, one-on-one, and go over it. Give them positive feedback.
Praise your child for healthy food choices and physical activity. Remember: criticism and punishment just don't work. \n\u003cli\>Make sure your child understands that they can make a difference in their weight and that you will support them all the way. \n\u003cli\>Help your child recognize hunger and fullness signals. Stop eating when you're full and turn down helpings when you are no longer hungry. Help your child do the same. \n\u003cli\>Help your child figure out what kinds of emotions and situations trigger overeating for them. \n\u003cli\>Make your child's behavior changes a positive, fun experience by planning healthy foods, fun activities, and rewards for positive behavior. \u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/ul\>\n\u003cp\>\u003cem\>Watch their "media diet", too:\u003c/em\>\u003c/p\>\n\u003cul type\u003d\"disc\"\>\n\u003cli\>Think about all the \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/yourchild/media.htm\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>media\u003c/a\> your child uses: \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/yourchild/tv.htm\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>television\u003c/a\>, \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/yourchild/internet.htm\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>\ncomputer\u003c/a\>, \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/yourchild/video.htm\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>video games\u003c/a\>, hand-held computer games. These are all activities that replace physical activity in your child's daily routine. Placing time limits on them will free up time for a more active lifestyle. Watching TV can use less energy than simply sitting and resting! Also, we tend to snack on high calorie foods during these inactive times. \n\u003cli\>Teach your child to be \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/yourchild/media.htm\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>media savvy\u003c/a\>. The media bombards us with images of thin people having fun while eating and drinking high calorie foods. Kids don't necessarily have the cognitive abilities to process this paradox. \n",1]
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Praise your child for healthy food choices and physical activity. Remember: criticism and punishment just don't work.
Make sure your child understands that they can make a difference in their weight and that you will support them all the way.
Help your child recognize hunger and fullness signals. Stop eating when you're full and turn down helpings when you are no longer hungry. Help your child do the same.
Help your child figure out what kinds of emotions and situations trigger overeating for them.
Make your child's behavior changes a positive, fun experience by planning healthy foods, fun activities, and rewards for positive behavior.
Watch their "media diet", too:
Think about all the media your child uses: television, computer, video games, hand-held computer games. These are all activities that replace physical activity in your child's daily routine. Placing time limits on them will free up time for a more active lifestyle. Watching TV can use less energy than simply sitting and resting! Also, we tend to snack on high calorie foods during these inactive times.
Teach your child to be media savvy. The media bombards us with images of thin people having fun while eating and drinking high calorie foods. Kids don't necessarily have the cognitive abilities to process this paradox.
Limit inactive things like \u003ca href\u003d\"http://healthjournal.ucdavis.edu/may_june_98_hj/articles/overload_1.html\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>TV\u003c/a\>, video games and computer time. Watching TV can use less energy than simply sitting and resting! Also, we tend to snack on high calorie foods during these inactive times. \n\u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/ul\>\n\u003cp\>\u003cem\>Eat healthy meals and snacks:\u003c/em\>\u003c/p\>\n\u003cul type\u003d\"disc\"\>\n\u003cli\>Have structured mealtimes and snacks on a schedule. Model and insist on good meal habits— eating less breakfast and more dinner or skipping breakfast increase the risk for obesity. \n\u003cli\>Don't mistake healthy eating for dieting. Eating large amounts of high calorie foods ("Want to super-size that?") and frequent snacking have become commonplace. Bad eating habits become accepted as normal eating habits. Eating healthful foods in a healthy manner is not the same as dieting. \n\u003cli\>Use the \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.usda.gov/cnpp/pyrabklt.pdf\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>food pyramid\u003c/a\> (\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.usda.gov/cnpp/Pubs/Pyramid/La%20Guia.pdf\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>also in Spanish\u003c/a\>) and the \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.usda.gov/cnpp/KidsPyra/LittlePyr.pdf\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>\nfood pyramid for young children (aged 2-6)\u003c/a\> to help guide your food choices for your family. The emphasis should be on grains, vegetables and fruits. \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/etext/000023.html\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>Food pyramids representing ethnic foods\n\u003c/a\> are also available. \n\u003cli\>Keep only healthy foods in your home. Keeping junk food around for other family members, and trying to "police" what your child eats, only promotes sneak eating. The \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.eatright.org/\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>American Dietetic Association\n",1]
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Limit inactive things like TV, video games and computer time. Watching TV can use less energy than simply sitting and resting! Also, we tend to snack on high calorie foods during these inactive times.
Eat healthy meals and snacks:
Have structured mealtimes and snacks on a schedule. Model and insist on good meal habits— eating less breakfast and more dinner or skipping breakfast increase the risk for obesity.
Don't mistake healthy eating for dieting. Eating large amounts of high calorie foods ("Want to super-size that?") and frequent snacking have become commonplace. Bad eating habits become accepted as normal eating habits. Eating healthful foods in a healthy manner is not the same as dieting.
Use the food pyramid (also in Spanish) and the food pyramid for young children (aged 2-6) to help guide your food choices for your family. The emphasis should be on grains, vegetables and fruits. Food pyramids representing ethnic foods are also available.
Keep only healthy foods in your home. Keeping junk food around for other family members, and trying to "police" what your child eats, only promotes sneak eating. The American Dietetic Association
has information on eating healthy—check out their daily tips and nutrition fact sheets. \n\u003cli\>Children under 2 may need a little more fat in their diet for proper brain development. Between ages 2-3 you can gradually transition your child to the lower-fat diet that is healthiest for the rest of the family. \n\u003cli\>Pay attention to snacks. They count! Lots of snacking leads to a higher calorie intake, and many typical snack foods are not very nutritious. Keep \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/columncc/cc980827.html\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>healthy snacks\n\u003c/a\> on hand, like fruit and cut up veggies. Allow your child easy access to them. \u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/ul\>\n\u003cp\>\u003cem\>Get moving:\u003c/em\>\u003c/p\>\n\u003cul type\u003d\"disc\"\>\n\u003cli\>Encourage \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/sgr/adoles.htm\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>physical activity\u003c/a\>. As kids move into adolescence, their levels of activity tend to drop too low. Do active things together as a family, like bike riding, hiking, walking and swimming. Here are some great ideas for helping to \n\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www-cgi.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/FL/00030.html\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>get your child and your family more active\u003c/a\>. \n\u003cli\>Build activity into your family's daily life with household chores, walking to school, parking farther from buildings and taking the stairs. Decreasing inactivity works better for long-term weight loss than focusing on vigorous aerobic exercise. It's also an easier lifestyle change for your family to make! \n\u003cli\>Make sure your kid gets outside during daylight hours. You could make it a policy in your family that unless the weather is bad, your children play outdoors after school. This encourages physical activity, and rules out the inactive pursuits of TV and other media. \n\u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/ul\>\n\u003cp\>\u003cem\>For more information and tips:\u003c/em\>\u003c/p\>\n\u003cul type\u003d\"disc\"\>\n\u003cli\>The National Institutes of Health has a great online pamphlet on ",1]
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has information on eating healthy—check out their daily tips and nutrition fact sheets.
Children under 2 may need a little more fat in their diet for proper brain development. Between ages 2-3 you can gradually transition your child to the lower-fat diet that is healthiest for the rest of the family.
Pay attention to snacks. They count! Lots of snacking leads to a higher calorie intake, and many typical snack foods are not very nutritious. Keep healthy snacks on hand, like fruit and cut up veggies. Allow your child easy access to them.
Get moving:
Encourage physical activity. As kids move into adolescence, their levels of activity tend to drop too low. Do active things together as a family, like bike riding, hiking, walking and swimming. Here are some great ideas for helping to get your child and your family more active.
Build activity into your family's daily life with household chores, walking to school, parking farther from buildings and taking the stairs. Decreasing inactivity works better for long-term weight loss than focusing on vigorous aerobic exercise. It's also an easier lifestyle change for your family to make!
Make sure your kid gets outside during daylight hours. You could make it a policy in your family that unless the weather is bad, your children play outdoors after school. This encourages physical activity, and rules out the inactive pursuits of TV and other media.
For more information and tips:
The National Institutes of Health has a great online pamphlet on
Helping Your Overweight Child\u003c/a\>. It includes many useful tips and resources. \n\u003cli\>For more, see what our own Dr. Gahagan has to say about \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/yourchild/fightobesity.htm\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>how parents can fight obesity\u003c/a\> in their kids. \u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/ul\>\n\u003cp\> \u003c/p\>\n\u003cp\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\" size\u003d\"-1\"\>\u003cb\>\u003cfont color\u003d\"#003399\"\>\u003ca name\u003d\"10ce974231e1f98e_not\"\>\u003c/a\>\u003c/font\>\u003c/b\>\u003c/font\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\>\u003cb\>\u003cfont color\u003d\"#003399\"\>What if everything you suggest does not seem to be working?\n\u003c/font\>\u003c/b\>\u003c/font\>\u003c/p\>\n\u003cp\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\" size\u003d\"-1\"\>If making these changes at home does not seem to be helping, you can talk to your child's doctor about a \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.medem.com/search/article_display.cfm?path\u003dn:&mstr\u003d/ZZZB92U8W7C.html&soc\u003dAAP&srch_typ\u003dNAV_SERCH\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>\nformal weight-control program\u003c/a\>. A weight-control program should:\u003c/font\>\u003c/p\>\n\u003cul\>\n\u003cli\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\" size\u003d\"-1\"\>Have the overriding goal of helping the whole family make and maintain healthy changes in their eating and activity habits.\u003c/font\> \n\u003cli\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\" size\u003d\"-1\"\>Have dieticians, exercise physiologists, doctors, and either psychiatrists or psychologists on staff.\u003c/font\> \n\u003cli\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\" size\u003d\"-1\"\>Perform a medical evaluation of your child—including weight, growth, and health—before starting the program, and at regular intervals throughout the program.\u003c/font\>\n \n\u003cli\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\" size\u003d\"-1\"\>Be developmentally appropriate for the age and capabilities of your child.\u003c/font\> \n\u003cli\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\" size\u003d\"-1\"\>Focus on behavior changes.\u003c/font\> \n\u003cli\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\" size\u003d\"-1\"\>",1]
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Helping Your Overweight Child. It includes many useful tips and resources.
For more, see what our own Dr. Gahagan has to say about how parents can fight obesity in their kids.

What if everything you suggest does not seem to be working?
If making these changes at home does not seem to be helping, you can talk to your child's doctor about a formal weight-control program. A weight-control program should:
Have the overriding goal of helping the whole family make and maintain healthy changes in their eating and activity habits.
Have dieticians, exercise physiologists, doctors, and either psychiatrists or psychologists on staff.
Perform a medical evaluation of your child—including weight, growth, and health—before starting the program, and at regular intervals throughout the program.
Be developmentally appropriate for the age and capabilities of your child.
Focus on behavior changes.
\n\u003cli\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\" size\u003d\"-1\"\>Encourage daily physical activity.\u003c/font\> \n\u003cli\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\" size\u003d\"-1\"\>Include a maintenance program and other support and referrals.\u003c/font\> \n\u003cli\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\" size\u003d\"-1\"\>Focus on your whole family—not just your overweight child.\u003c/font\> \u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/ul\>\n\u003cp\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\" size\u003d\"-1\"\>\u003cb\>\u003cfont color\u003d\"#003399\"\>\u003ca name\u003d\"10ce974231e1f98e_books\"\>\u003c/a\>\u003c/font\>\u003c/b\>\u003c/font\>\u003c/p\>\n\u003cul type\u003d\"disc\"\>\n\u003cli\>\u003c/li\>\u003c/ul\>\n",0]
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Teach your child how to choose a healthy variety of foods and the right size portion.
Encourage daily physical activity.
Include a maintenance program and other support and referrals.
Focus on your whole family—not just your overweight child.