Help an Overweight Child
By Catherine Holecko, About.com Guide to Family Fitness
If your child has been diagnosed as overweight or obese, or is at risk for these conditions, act now to help reduce the risk of serious health consequences. Helping your child get and stay healthy is a family effort; working together benefits everyone.
Understand the Problem
What do "overweight" and "obese" really mean? Find out how childhood obesity is defined and diagnosed, what its risks are, and how to calculate your child's body-mass index using simple online tools.
- Is Your Child Overweight or Obese?
- Risk Factors for Childhood Obesity
- Body-Mass Index (BMI) Calculator
- Understanding Growth Charts
- Ideal Body Weight Calculator
- What Are the Risks of Childhood Obesity?
- Weight Loss Goals for Kids
- Readers Respond: What Happens After an Obesity Diagnosis
- Childhood Obesity Statistics
- Prevent Childhood Obesity
Increase Activity
For weight loss or maintenance, heart health, mental health, and so many more reasons, it's essential for kids (and adults too!) to get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day. Try these strategies to boost your child's fitness profile.
- Kids' Fitness for the Reluctant Child
- Teach the Importance of Activity
- Forget Exercise, Have Fun!
- The Best Sports for Kids
- How to Choose a Kids' Sports Program
- Homemade Fitness Equipment and Toys
- Active Toys for the Whole Family
- Toys for Outdoor Play
- Start a Simple Family Fitness Plan
- Create a Family Fitness Challenge
- 10 Ways to Make Fitness More Fun
- 22 Playful, Physical Outdoor Activities
- 12 Rainy Day Activities
- Take a Hike: Find a Trail Finder
Improve Eating Habits
Tweak your family's diet to add more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and you'll be well on your way to weight loss and better health. If kids are resistant, start slow, with small substitutions; work your way up to bigger changes.
- 10 Lifestyle Changes to Make First
- Healthy Snacks for Kids and Families
- Healthy Grocery Shopping List
- Understand Portion Control
- 20 Ways to Cut Fat in Cooking
- Common Tween-Age Nutrition Mistakes
- Teen Diet Makeover
- Why Kids Need Water
- Readers Respond: Tips for Family Weight Loss
Build Self-Esteem
Children and teens who are overweight may suffer from low self-esteem. Along with helping them lose weight with sensitivity, it's important to help them feel better about themselves, no matter their size or fitness level.
