Overweight Children:
Does Dieting Work?

Dieting is a temporary change in eating designed to dramatically lower calories for the purposes of weight loss. Any weight control diet should represent an overall nutritional plan that takes into account the quality and quantity of food necessary to provide for optimum health. Dieting is a temporary solution to the long-term problem of weight management. Sometimes the adjustments made to "go on a diet" are extreme, cannot be sustained, and are not nutritionally sound.

Parents of overweight children are encouraged to consult with a doctor or registered dietitian to modify the child's eating behaviors, rather than just restrict calories. Children are developing both physically and mentally, and they need adequate nutrition as they grow. Just as too many calories can cause obesity and the health problems that accompany it, a diet with too few calories can have unhealthy consequences as well. Combining a healthy diet with exercise is the best way to achieve healthy levels of body fat.

Making Healthy Habits a Family Affair

To promote healthy attitudes about eating and fitness in your child:

• Take a look at your own eating habits to see if you're setting a good example.

• Eliminate unhealthy foods from your household rather than singling out your child and prohibiting her from eating them.

• HealthyPlace.com Articles/Conference Transcripts Help Your Kids Eat Healthier

  Keep healthy snacks in a place where your child can easily get to them.

• Make time to exercise with your child.

• Limit TV and computer time for the whole family, and don't eat in front of the TV.

• Discourage talk about weight unless your child brings it up.

• Avoid cute names like "pleasingly plump" or "skinny Minnie."

• Avoid preparing fried and high-fat convenience foods.

• Support your child by creating healthy habits for the entire family.

The best thing you can do is make good nutrition and exercise a family affair by planning lower fat meals, nutritious snacks, and family activities. This will make your child feel included in a total family effort focused on health and not feel isolated as the one with the problem.

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