Did you know...
According to the National Institute of Health, kids need a total of 60 minutes of moderate physical activity a day. And the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that children who play video games or watch television more than 2 hours a day are at high risk for developing a weight problem.

Research indicates that obesity in childhood follows into adulthood, carrying with it increased health risks for coronary heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, asthma, and social consequences.

Is Your Child At Risk?

Children grow at different rates so it can be difficult to tell if your child is at risk. Health professionals use the body mass index (BMI), a weight-to-height ratio, to determine appropriate weight.
Keep in mind, there is a wide range of normal weight levels due to differences in height, bone density, and body type. If you’re concerned about your child’s weight, talk to your health care provider. He or she can help you determine if your child is in a healthy range.

Helping Your Overweight Child

If your child is diagnosed as overweight, you will need to be supportive. That support comes in a variety of ways, incorporating both your child’s mental and physical needs. For example, you should:

• Provide emotional support,
• Build a lifetime of healthy habits,
• Encourage healthy eating, and
• Encourage physical activity.

Weight-Loss Programs

A growing child’s nutritional needs differ from those of adults. Too few calories or restricting the wrong foods can interfere with proper growth. Therefore, do not put your child on a weight-loss diet unless recommended by your health care provider. He or she can recommend a weight-loss program if a change in your child’s eating habits or increased physical activity have not been successful.

Under professional guidance, setting realistic weight loss goals will help your child avoid being discouraged. For best results, help your child focus on small, gradual changes, which will also help them build healthy habits that can last a lifetime.

More information about childhood obesity is available from:

American Obesity Association
www.obesity.org
(202) 776-7711

National Institute of Health
www.nih.gov
(877) 946-4627