At Tiger Zone Athletics, we are often asked by concerned parents how they can help their overweight or obese child. Although encouraging healthy eating and physical activity are key to your child’s health, it is important that parents take an active role in helping your child. Involve the whole family in building a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition and physical activity.
Is My Child Overweight?
Although children grow at different rates, if you think your child is overweight or at risk for obesity, it is important for a physician or nurse to help determine if your child’s height and weight are in a healthy range. One of the ways to determine body fat is the body mass index (BMI), which provides a guideline to determine if someone is overweight based on their height and weight according to age and gender.
Support
Remind your child that he or she is loved and important. Children often base their self-image on how their parents feel about them, especially when young. Listen to your child’s concerns about their weight. They need support, understanding and encouragement from their parents.
Encouragement
Buy and serve fruits and vegetables, such as fresh or frozen foods, as they contain higher nutrient levels and less preservatives than canned goods. Encourage daily physical activity, such as joining a sports team or class, like soccer, dance or gymnastics. If your child feels uncomfortable participating in sports activities, try encouraging them to play tag, jump rope or dance.
Maintain activities as a family. Assign active chores, like washing a car or vacuuming and plan activities, like trips to the zoo, a family bike ride, or walking through a park.
Meals
Make sure that your child does not skip meals throughout the day. Skipping meals contributes to added pressure on the body’s organs, which affect the body’s insulin levels. This will give your child the energy needed to pay attention in school and learn, as well as prevent hunger and fatigue.